From Mr. Kull-

BY-Jim Kull

As I write this, we are sitting on the sleeper train from Luoyang to Beijing, near the end of our great adventure. The kindness and friendliness of the Chinese people has been a real highlight of our trip, and the opportunity to interact with the people has been a great experience.

Both the groups played incredibly well, with great energy and enthusiasm. They have been wonderful ambassadors for our school and country. Special thanks have to go to all of the parents who have come on this trip with us, as we have managed to do every set up and tear down efficiently. I have never been prouder of our students and parents, and I wish every one could have gone with us to see their efforts.

We have seen amazing sights, as beautiful as the Summer Palace and Longmen Grottoes, to the poverty of the cave dwelling people, not ten minutes from Luoyang. We look forward to the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City tomorrow.

I will never forget the sight of literally thousands of people at the square in Luoyang, eating with the university students in Kaifeng, and their reactions to our music and culture. All four concerts have been highlights, with the Great Wall especially beautiful and the concert hall in Zhengzou having one of the best sounds of any hall we’ve played in. We have been the recipients of great generosity, with some beautiful gifts we can’t wait for all of you to see. It has been a life changing experience for all of us!

Attention all pizza places in St. Charles: Be ready for us on Thursday night!