Choral Group's Finale

The earlier "Choral Group" blog explained my participation in the Choral class and how we sang the South African National anthem at the South Africa pre-port.  I grew to totally love this involvement with the Professor, Donna Plaskert, the students and life-long learners.  My friend and LLL, Ann Clough, practiced with me many times at my request.  She sings in her church choir and knows her stuff!.   I mentioned Alyssa Rizzo's help and leadership in an earlier blog about her. 

Our SAS Fall 2010 Choral Class and Professor Donna Plaskert

I don't believe I have mentioned Matthew Toscano before this.  He is a thirteen year old son of Nancy and David Toscano.  David is a current Virginia state representative with his eye on the US Senate who taught courses in public policy.  Matthew is one of those amazing kids who plays the harp and flute, sings soprano like an angel, gets good grades and is totally comfortable with adults.  He enjoyed coming into the dining room and sitting down anywhere and conversing.  Matthew played, sang and danced in all the shows and was involved in practically everything on the ship.  He was a member of the choral class.  During our Performance, he accompanied us in the flute duet with Professor Kathy Ringwold, sang a lovely solo and performed with the entire group.  He's an amazing kid with quite a future. 




See Matthew in the left hand corner with his flute




The Ensemble




Matthew singing in the right ccorner



This choral group, like all classes, actually met only 22 times during the 109 days.  The first ten classes were spent exploring musical options, our abilities and learning the South African anthem.  Several of the students were music majors.  They were chosen for solos, duets and the ensenble.   Our choral performance was excellent despite having only 11 classes over 54 days between ports.  We were accompanied by Kathy Ringwold on flute and Biology Professor Tim Woods on the piano who is also a world-class cellist.  The performance was amazing!  We were all so very proud of the audience's reception of our work.  After weeks of rolling seas, they were calmer that evening, thank goodness.  But the photos show we stood prepared to roll. I wish you had all been there!  If I ever learn how, I'll post the video on You Tube for your enjoyment.  Thank you, Donna, for your patience and leadership!

Suzanne, Alyssa, Dan, Donna  and Connie