1.) VIP High Schoolers sang at St. James' Parish in Lothian, MD. We love singing in this very special place with its domed roof that offers truly exceptional acoustics. The relationship between our two churches goes back many years, and we were glad to get to visit our friends once more. (Pictures coming later this week!)
2.) We've decided to open our Dec. 19 to our congregation, friends, and neighbors! See this Rockapella/National Christmas Tree blog post for details. The cost is $50 for people age 18 and up; $30 for students under age 18. Cost includes motorcoach transportation and a concert ticket. If you'd like to go, please let Holly know.
3.) We've had some great moments in rehearsal as the VIPs work away on Christmas music. We've been challenged a bit by some scheduling conflicts and nasty colds that are taking a toll - but we're almost ready for our first performance at Festival of Trees on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 1pm at Huntingtown High.
4.) We wrapped up our greenery and cookie dough fundraisers. Thank you to everyone who supported us in our efforts! Thanks to our generous friends and family, we raised nearly $3,000 and we appreciate it so very, very much.
5.) We have been working to secure instrumentalists to join us in our Epiphany Concerts on January 10. We love singing with a Chamber Orchestra, and we're blessed that there are many talented instrumentalists in our community.
6.) Rolinda Collinson (uniform guru) has made sure that every VIP has a full and complete uniform -- no small task with 40 singers.
7.) I (Holly) went to Chicago to prepare for Choir Tour. While I was there I:
- Worked out our accommodations -- we're spending 5 nights at Springhill Suites River North (nice, huh?). I'm so excited that we were able to get a great rate at this excellent hotel! God truly moved some mountains for us.
- Got to visit with VIP Alums Bennett Umhau and Jenny Sturrock.
- Saw a concert at Rockefeller Chapel and attended a gospel worship service at St. Paul's United Church of Christ.
- Visited the warm and welcoming Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church.
- Explored a host of mission possibilities - more details coming later.
- Ate awesome Chicago deep-dish pizza at Gino's and started my Christmas shopping at Macy's (aka Marshall Field's). :-)