We're singin' in the Rain 6-29-2008

Started the day with a continental breakfast then we headed off to Trinity Church in the Garden District to sing as a part of the Sunday service. We hopped, literally, the streetcar and all crowded into one bus to take us on our way. As far public transportation goes it was really fun and possibly an experience some of us had never had. The girls were beautiful in their concert attire and they warmed up in the church so we got an extra treat listening to their beautiful sounds in the morning. For the service they sang 5 songs for the prelude and two more songs during communion accompanied by the church choir for one of those songs. The girls were happily surprised to have such great bass sounds for accompaniment. There were also 3 baptisms at the service so it was a special Sunday morning.
After the service we had a wonderful picnic lunch (with fabulous pizza and Caesar salad) at the church in their park area with stone walls and chairs and tables on which to perch. Fortunately the rain held itself at bay. Then we returned to the hotel by streetcar – this time many of us stood as the car was half full when we embarked.
The girls had another amazing rehearsal for 3 hours with our two choir directors and the harmony they were pulling from these six choirs sounds perfect. All of the choirs are intermingled so the girls are making friends from all over the states.
We had a little free time for the ninth graders to organize for the paper plate awards happening later tonight. Many gathered in others’ rooms to stay away from younger roommates. And a few of the chaperones became instant seamstresses to mend falling hems on some of the dresses. We then headed out to an all choir festival dinner and Cajun dance party at Michaul’s on foot and arrived full of expectation and energy for a good time. Well, we were not disappointed! The food was simple but plentiful and the bread pudding was the best! There was a Cajun band and dance caller who taught all the choirs to dance the Cajun jitterbug after throwing them all mardi gras beads from the stage. There was a little bit of competition but everyone got a strand or eight! Let them show you how they can tie the beads into stars! Then we had a contest to determine who were the best 4 couples, and although none of the PGC girls won, everyone had a good time. Some of them mixed with the other choirs and made more new friends!
We then walked home from Michaul’s and gathered to hear the ninth grade paper plate awards. They, as always, were creative and thoughtful awards, one to each “underclasswoman” from a ninth grader who knows her well. The ninth graders enjoyed thinking up awards and presenting them to the girls they love so much. Some tears, many laughs, lots of applause and the paparazzi were stalking. Our girls are very photogenic and love to pose – fortunately. They even got a “best ninth graders” award from Mrs. Westrick. Off to bed for another early morn at Café du Monde for beignets and hot chocolate before n the flea market!