With a 7:30 bus call and breakfast starting at 7:00, it was hurry and eat right now for the boys who had to catch the bus early to help unload the equipment while the girls got a reprieve and caught the bus at 8:00. Lucky! The weather was rather nippy due to a snappy little wind that kept us grabbing our sweaters a little tighter. The sun was out, but it seemed to have little effect. The boys sang all the way to the auditorium. Think Girls Camp, only in baritone.
After the girls arrived, things started hopping. They dressed up in their fireside clothes and about 9:45, they came out for the Concert Choir competition and sang. Wow is all I can say. All the songs were about Jesus Christ and His mission here. Of course they sang "Born to Testify". That song had a profound effect on several listeners, and left many in tears. One person said, "That was a 2-Kleenex song". It even got a standing ovation from part of the crowd. Afterwards, the kid
s were starting to feel pumped up, and so we took them to a leather goods store and let them shop and try on some very interesting outfits. The owners were very friendly and gave us discounts. Before we left, we sang "My Heavenly Father Loves Me".
We returned to the auditorium and FAME had a lunch of salad and pizza waiting for us. Yum! Then we went in to watch our sister choir from Spanish Fork, Utah put on their show. As expected, they were great and we cheered them on more than any other. Afterwards, we turned our attention to waiting for our turn to perform in the show choir competition. It was spent well sleeping on the floor, studying and swapping funny entries for this blog.
At last it was time to dress and warm up for our turn. We were led down a long hall to a warm up room behind the stage. It felt like a meat locker. It was probably a good idea that would help the kids not to overheat. We had a good warm up and then Tim gave them a good pep talk and offered a prayer in their behalf.
We took the stage and set up the risers, the band instruments and the special lights that Steve Kroll had made and then the signal was given. It was time to start. The music began and the kids came alive. Those of us backstage who were helping with props, saw a wonderful show like we've never seen. Standing in the wings, we could feel the energy come rushing past us in torrents that didn't let up until the last chord was sung. The applause was substantial and after everything was put away, we walked through a congratulatory gauntlet formed by Spanish Fork out in the foyer. Most everyone was pretty well doggone pleased with how it went.
We eventually gathered our things and made our way to the bus and then headed to the Golden Corral for a buffet dinner. With so many hungr
y kids who had just finished burning enough BTUs to light a city, I think the Golden Corral may have lost money tonight on our group. Our harried waitress was kept rather busy supplying us with clean plates for our many return visits to the buffet.
We boarded the bus and started back to our rooms. On the way, Tim told us that our band had scored 100% and that our show choir had made the semi-finals. We freshened up in our rooms and then we were off to see the Haygood Show. This is (again) a family affair with 5 brothers and 1 sister who entertained us with lots of dancin', fiddlin', guitar playin' and singin'. It was fun to watch as they employed some rather innovative
techniques. Just ask about the beach balls. With the show over, we headed for the bus but before we could leave, one of the cast members came on board and visited with the kids for a few minutes. A real nice touch, I'd say. The bus dropped us off. We were a bit weary but nonetheless happy for the outcome of the days events. Tomorrow is a new day and new possibilities and we're hoping for a curtain call at the end.
After the girls arrived, things started hopping. They dressed up in their fireside clothes and about 9:45, they came out for the Concert Choir competition and sang. Wow is all I can say. All the songs were about Jesus Christ and His mission here. Of course they sang "Born to Testify". That song had a profound effect on several listeners, and left many in tears. One person said, "That was a 2-Kleenex song". It even got a standing ovation from part of the crowd. Afterwards, the kid
s were starting to feel pumped up, and so we took them to a leather goods store and let them shop and try on some very interesting outfits. The owners were very friendly and gave us discounts. Before we left, we sang "My Heavenly Father Loves Me".We returned to the auditorium and FAME had a lunch of salad and pizza waiting for us. Yum! Then we went in to watch our sister choir from Spanish Fork, Utah put on their show. As expected, they were great and we cheered them on more than any other. Afterwards, we turned our attention to waiting for our turn to perform in the show choir competition. It was spent well sleeping on the floor, studying and swapping funny entries for this blog.
At last it was time to dress and warm up for our turn. We were led down a long hall to a warm up room behind the stage. It felt like a meat locker. It was probably a good idea that would help the kids not to overheat. We had a good warm up and then Tim gave them a good pep talk and offered a prayer in their behalf.
We took the stage and set up the risers, the band instruments and the special lights that Steve Kroll had made and then the signal was given. It was time to start. The music began and the kids came alive. Those of us backstage who were helping with props, saw a wonderful show like we've never seen. Standing in the wings, we could feel the energy come rushing past us in torrents that didn't let up until the last chord was sung. The applause was substantial and after everything was put away, we walked through a congratulatory gauntlet formed by Spanish Fork out in the foyer. Most everyone was pretty well doggone pleased with how it went.
We eventually gathered our things and made our way to the bus and then headed to the Golden Corral for a buffet dinner. With so many hungr
y kids who had just finished burning enough BTUs to light a city, I think the Golden Corral may have lost money tonight on our group. Our harried waitress was kept rather busy supplying us with clean plates for our many return visits to the buffet.We boarded the bus and started back to our rooms. On the way, Tim told us that our band had scored 100% and that our show choir had made the semi-finals. We freshened up in our rooms and then we were off to see the Haygood Show. This is (again) a family affair with 5 brothers and 1 sister who entertained us with lots of dancin', fiddlin', guitar playin' and singin'. It was fun to watch as they employed some rather innovative
techniques. Just ask about the beach balls. With the show over, we headed for the bus but before we could leave, one of the cast members came on board and visited with the kids for a few minutes. A real nice touch, I'd say. The bus dropped us off. We were a bit weary but nonetheless happy for the outcome of the days events. Tomorrow is a new day and new possibilities and we're hoping for a curtain call at the end.
