Choir begins New York trip by experiencing city life

The high school Cantiamo choir and Bellezza ensemble began their journey to New York at 5 p.m. on April 9 and return on April 16. After leaving on their flight from the San Francisco Airport, students arrived at 7:30 a.m. sharp in the Newark airport.

They then travelled to the historic The New Yorker hotel. The interior of the hotel is art-deco and stays true to the time it was constructed, in 1930. Some main features of the building include beautiful design, 40 floors, and a 24-hour diner.

On day one, students dropped luggage off and observed New York from the Empire State Building. Alina Davila, ‘19, shares her thoughts on the view and her first experience in the city.

“It was like all the movies that I’ve watched taking place in New York came to life,” Davila said. “All the huge buildings made me feel like the people in the movies. When I got up there (top of the Empire State Building) and saw all the buildings, I thought it was super cool to be up that high and to see a birds eye view.”

After a short rest, choir members broke off into small groups to see the famous Times Square and shop. Some favorite stores included American Eagle Outfitters, H&M, and the two-story Disney store. The night ended early to prepare for the day of touring ahead.

Darrin Williams, ‘19, is taking time to enjoy his first trip to the Big Apple.

“I went to the M&Ms store in Times Square,” Williams said. “I liked the candy in there and the customizing that they had. Times Square was really cool at night.”

Day two included walking and a large variety of popular tourist attractions. With three tour guides explaining the history of the city, the tours were both educational and enjoyable. Groups took their first ride on the Metro, ferry rides to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 memorial and a variety of other popular sights in the Financial District.

After lunch in @BrookfieldPLNY the groups visit the @Sept11Memorial and museum, April 11. Stay tuned to #thefeather for different students perspectives. @fresnochristian #FCchoir #FCensemble #Singinginthebigapple pic.twitter.com/Gz0VuKpGB8

— The Feather Online (@thefeather) April 11, 2018

The choir also had the unique opportunity to sing the National Anthem next to the 9/11 memorial for others and their family that travelled with them.

Senior Erin Wilson comments on what stood out the most to her during the day and elaborates on what she looked forward to for the rest of the week.

“The 9/11 museum definitely stood out,” Wilson said. “It’s so easy to talk about it and compartmentalize so it doesn’t even feel like it really happened. But today, I saw some things that really made it real for me. I’m excited to keep touring and sing in Carnegie Hall at the end of the week. It will be the trip of a lifetime!”

Keep up with the choir through The Feather’s Instagram and Twitter, and check back later this week for another article on the choir’s adventure and their performance in the National Youth Choir in Carnegie Hall.

For more about the choir in New York, see Choirs take New York City: Part 1. For another feature, read Column: Roman Endicott reminds readers to ‘live in the present.’

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