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Japan Tour
The Pacific Rim Tour
The 2009 Pacific Rim International Music Festival
In July 2009, the Calgary Children's Choir sent a touring choir of 35 choristers to the Pacific Rim International Music Festival, in Oahu, Hawaii. Along with about 300 participating choristers from North American choirs, a cultural and musical immersion took place in the form of mass choir rehearsals, sightseeing, and participation in various "villages" in the Polynesian cultural center. Choristers spent two mornings exploring the language, customs, dances and songs of the islands of Tahiti, Samoa, Hawaii, and Fiji.Our choristers had practiced hard before we left, and they were well prepared with their music. During the individual choir performances, the Calgary Children's Choir did a great job, and felt, rightly, that they had really accomplished something to be proud of.
The culmination was a final mass choir performance at the Blaisdell Concert Hall in Waikiki. Under the skillful and inspired leadership of artistic director, Henry Leck, the 300 member choir presented music from many parts of the Pacific Rim. Of the fourteen pieces sung, only four were in English! The audience and choristers were also treated to performances by a variety of guests who represented islands of the Pacific Rim in drumming, dances, and songs.
On the final evening, choristers were treated to a picnic which was beautifully organized with great food and games and activities. Everyone then sang Aloha O'E on the beach as the sun was setting - a rendition no one will forget anytime soon!
Our choristers did their parents and Calgary proud with their exemplary behavior. They were friendly, polite,and respectful to each other, and to members of the participating groups, chaperones, directors, hosts, guides, bus drivers, and hotel and cafeteria staff. They wore the Calgary Children's Choir t-shirt with pride, and were wonderful ambassadors for Canada.
