Tour of China - Eckerd College Concert Choir and Ringers

John’s Xi’an

posted on March 24

Today the camera was in the hands of Jonathan Speiser ‘06, this is Xi’an through his eyes.

Zai Jian

by Lem Thornton on March 24

Our trip to China is almost over - which is sad. I’ve had a really amazing experience and have been warmly welcomed more times than I can actually count.  

Our tour guides Judy, Brian and Jennifer have showed us so much. Judy taught us some Chinese symbols and driving around Xi’an and Beijing recognizing some symbols has been very cool. Our concerts, both planned and unexpected, have been pretty incredible. I think the most amazing was doing Messiah with the Normal University students. All in all just hearing other talented musicians has been pretty amazing. 

I don’t think words can really express how much I and the rest of this group has enjoyed this trip. We’ve truly been blessed to have had this opportunity.  Zai Jian (Goodbye) Beijing, Xi’an, Brian, Judy and Jennifer. 

Lem Thornton

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

posted on March 24

So Many Stories

by Brandy Eyers on March 24

Hey all! This is Brandy reporting back at the end of this trip. It’s been amazing here and I almost do not want to leave but schoolwork calls. This last day was nice, we all got to go shopping and my group went to a music store. There were so many Chinese music instruments there. A few people bought some of the most interesting things I have seen yet, some I can’t even begin to explain. Overall this trip has been quiet an experience I will never forget. It feels like the choir had grown together much throughout the entire trip. I one day hope to come back and see some more of China, in much warmer weather. There are so many stories to tell when everyone returns

Brandy

Tang Dynasty

by Ashley Fenner on March 24

The most memorable part of the Tang Dynasty cultural music and dance show for me was the music. Particularly the man who played horns that sounded like ducks and other wild birds. After playing the horns he suddenly began singing like the horns. It was amazing. It took a little while for me to realize he was actually making that noise himself. He continued to go between the horns and his own voice for the rest of the performance. It was especially impressive when he would play a few notes and then sing one quickly before playing more. His ability to go between instrument and his own voice was astounding. I’ve never seen or heard anything quite like it. All the musicians and dancers were amazing, but none shocked me as much as he did. 

Ashley