Sarah B: Lancaster and Washington are two completely
different cities compared to New York. They run at a lot slower pace and aren’t
filled with as many bright lights; but they still have character and
personality which have helped to make this trip an even better experience.
Meeting the Amish, singing in Arlington Cemetery and visiting the war memorials
in Washington have all been experiences that l will carry with me forever.
Maddie N: I can’t believe how different Lancaster and Washington
are from bright New York. The Amish have completely different lives to those in
New York and us. Whilst in Washington, we walked down the Mall and went to the
Arlington National Cemetery. I couldn’t believe how many memorials there were.
There were Presidents and senators, inspirers and wars. After going to the
Arlington National Cemetery, I understood more about Paul and Julie’s song-
Robert F. Kennedy quotes Aeschylus on the death of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. So
far, it has been an enjoyable experience.
Taylor – I have enjoyed the parts of the USA we have visited
in the past few days a lot. I particularly liked the beatuful Amish countryside
and learning about the Amish way of life. I found the Gettysburg battle fields very
interesting and our guide in Gettysburg was very…good! I found Washington DC a
beautiful city – quite peaceful compared to New York City. My favourite parts
of Washington were the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial and the Roosevelt
memorial.
India: The highlight of the trip so far was definitely
losing my voice. Kidding. That was most definitely not the highlight. I had an
absolutely amazing time in New York. I don’t think there was one thing there
that I didn’t enjoy. My favourite things would have to be listening to the
Kearsney College Choir from South Africa, visiting Times Square on the first
night we got there and being completely overwhelmed and navigating through the
New York and its Subway system. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to find my way
around the Subway.
Washington DC was beautiful and completely different from
New York. The whole city was a lot more laid back than New York and it had a
lot more greenery. I really liked seeing all of the memorials and monuments, my
favourite was the Franklin D. Roosevelt memorial.
I also really enjoyed going to Arlington National Cemetery. As I lost my voice,
I couldn’t sing RFK but it was incredible to hear the rest of the choir perform
it and to see Robert F. Kennedy’s grave. So far, this has been an absolutely phenomenal
trip and I am really happy to be here.
Alexia: New York. What a glorious place, with its
unending night life, millions of sparkling city lights, enormous sky scraping buildings
and the dominant green backyard shared by all the ‘New Yorkers’. Travelling to
this wonderful city and having the privilege of performing there with Hunter
Singers has been an unforgettable experience. Walking through Times Square for
the first time being overwhelmed by these giant-like buildings and vibrant city
lights made me feel as if I were in a movie. My favourite performance there was
in the beautiful St John the Divine Cathedral which had absolutely gorgeous
acoustics. Being able to perform in such a prestigious place is an opportunity that
comes around rarely and I am so grateful that I was able to share that
experience with Hunter Singers. There was so much fun and laughter within the
group, spending my time with this lovely bunch of people has been fantastic. New
York was my first overseas trip and I know that because of everything I experienced
I will always carry these memories with me throughout my lifetime. I thoroughly
enjoyed every moment of it and as Kim would say, “That smile hasn’t left your
face Alexia.” J
Anna: So far the tour has been the most amazing experience
of my life. Best moments were going to Times Square for the first once we got
to New York and seeing all the huge skyscrapers with bright lights. It was the
moment it actually kicked in I was in New York. I will never forget hearing the
Kearsney College Choir, they were so amazing, I’ve never heard any choir like them.
Their songs made me feel so happy and joyful and it really showed through their
performance. I’m so excited for the rest of the trip and so grateful for what Kim
has done to make this trip happen. It gets better every day.
“The pretzels are soft, the bagels are hard,
I was bitten by a goat
in the Amish farmyard.
DC was good, but New York takes
the cake,
For having taxi
drivers most irate.
Now we’re goin’ to the
Wild Wild West,
(Though I hear it isn’t
entertainment’s best).
Then it’s Cincinnati
and finally LA,
Where I’m sure
Disneyland will be the best day,
We’ve seen many cool sights
like the Empire State,
Arlington Cemetery and
the ‘Capitol’ of States
However, in a while we’ll
be on our homeward way;
America’s great, but I’m
not sure I’d stay.”
“Maybe one day”
-Ezekiel
Sarah S: New York! What can I say… The bright lights of a city that literally
never sleeps. It’s amazing! Seeing the Kearsney Boys Choir was something
amazing and made me think about how much my sister would love to see them. The
city was amazingly tourist-friendly and the subways were at times a little
crowded. New York was amazing and I’ll never forget my time in America.
Washington, what a city full of history. The statues and monuments in real life
blow your mind away with their sheer size and beauty. The war memorials really
make you think how lucky you are to not be conscripted to go to war. What a
horrible thing that must be. In our tour around Washington we learnt a lot about
the history of America and the city. Given more time I’d visit America again.
Siobhan H: My overall emotions can be summed up as
electrified. New York will always be remembered by myself, and I’m sure many
others, as the one destination that provokes all emotions in a split second. The
overwhelming lights, mammoth structures and constantly moving citizens will set
the atmosphere alight. Visiting the 9/11 memorials and the chapel which the off
duty firemen would rest and pray at was beautiful and definitely something I will
remember forever. This trip is the first, of many to come, overseas travel in
my circumstance; and as well as this it is the first experience away from all
members of my family. THE KEARSNEY BOYS CHOIR. Enough said. No really, they
were absolutely amazing. The harmonies they made sent shivers down my spine,
they were so entertaining and carried a demeanour which put a smile on everyone’s
faces. So far this has been an amazing trip and I can’t wait for the
experiences to come!!
Alisa: New York has got to be one of the most amazing
experiences of my life. I can’t really sum up how I feel because it’s a bunch
of mixed emotions of excitement. The days have become one massive blur but it
would have to be some of the most amazing days I have ever experienced in my life
and I feel so fortunate to have experienced it with such an amazing group of
people. One of my highlights would just be seeing the city at night. It was
everything I thought it would be and even better! Another thing I loved was
seeing the Kearsney College choir they were absolutely flawless they had such incredible
voices and will be something I’ll never forget. Overall the trip has been
amazing I’m looking forward for the rest of the trip!
Maddy Lantry: when leaving for this trip I honestly don’t think
I truly realised the memories and experiences it would bring upon me. This trip
has been like no other hunter singers tour and will be one I will look back on
throughout my lifetime. People back home always ask me how do I go on these
trips and not get homesick or miss my family but I know I’m in possibly the
best hands. Hunter Singers are another family within itself to me and I’m so
thankful to be travelling through America with this group. New York would definately
top this experience off so far and I have a feeling it will always be my
favourite; just the culture and aspects New York City has makes it special. The
lights are better than the stars at night and to be able to experience them
shows me a taste of the true New York flavour. Kearsney College choir top the
charts and are one of the main inspirations to me and my involvement in hunter
singers. I learnt there are a lot more to choral singing then correct vowel alignment
and a smile, but a message and passion that are shown towards it and I’m sure
these lessons are ones hunter singers found an eye opener and take them on
board.
Lucy: This trip has really been amazing. At first I was so
nervous and was begging not to go but now I look back on that and think “I was
so silly!” I have made so many friends on this trip and also became closer with
lots of people in the choir. I never thought I could have such a great experience
like this! I’m loving it so much and not looking forward to leaving. I wish
this trip would last forever, sometimes I feel as if I am in a dream it is so
fantastic!
Jack D: New York, there is so
much to say, it is a must see, must go city, but the only thing is you need a
lot of time to do everything, yet I will always remember the activities we were
able to take part in, from walking through the bright lights of Times Square,
to gazing at the landscape from the heights of the Empire State Building, and
one day I will definitely return to do the rest.
Yuri G: arriving at the terminal
after the 26 hours on the plane and to walk out of the airport and to see a
yellow taxi made my day.
Sarah B: There’s only one word to
describe New York; AMAZING!!! Seeing the lights of Times Square on the first
night we were there was the most incredible sight in the world. The Broadway
Show – Sister Act – was the best musical I’ve ever seen. The thing that l was
remember for the rest of my life is the visit to the 9/11 Memorial. It was an
overwhelming experience that had a much more powerful impact on me then l ever
could have imagined. New York is a big, busy city that has offered me some
amazing memories that l will carry for the rest of my life.
Billy: New York brought new
experiences, new places and new friends. Being on Broadway was exciting,
Kearsney College Choir was inspirational and the Empire State Building was
incredible. But one must always remember, it isn’t the places on the journey
that makes this trip special. It’s the people you’re with that makes it
special.
Maddie: My experience in New York
was amazing. I couldn’t believe how big it was and that was just Manhattan. At
first it just felt like I was in Sydney. But I eventually got used to it. The
view from the Empire State Building was spectacular. You could see all the
yellow taxis and Central Park from the observation platform. Overall it was a
phenomenal.
Lucy: New York was truly not what
I expected but in a good way, it was so busy and all the lights were fantastic,
everyone was really nice and I became closer with people in the choir. I loved
it so much and I hope to be back there soon!
Britteny: New York was amazing
and it was really great to get to go there. It was fun spotting places that I
recognised from movies like The Avengers and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Central
Park was my favourite place as it was so peaceful despite being in the middle
of the city.
Gabbi: I really enjoyed being in
New York. Just being there was Brilliant, I couldn’t even believe it at first!
Times Square was nothing like I expected it to be. Even around midnight it was
like it was late afternoon! My favourite parts about this leg of the trip were
The Natural History museum and Central Park. The Museum had some really
interested artefacts and I really enjoyed understanding more about things I’d
learnt in History or getting to know more about the history of a different
culture. Central Park was amazing due to its size and also the amount of Nature
in it- which is a great change from the massive city surrounding it. Also, the
squirrels were absolutely adorable- and I loved to recognise certain sites from
films I’ve seen.
Taylor: I <3 NY!!! I was lucky
enough to be in New York over my 14th Birthday, which was the day we
got to workshop with the Kearsney College Choir and see Sister Act on Broadway.
These were two of my favourite things we did. I also liked performing at St
John the Divine Cathedral because we did so well and it sounded great. I also
like Central Park, the SQUIRELS and just catching the subway around in our
little groups like normal New Yorkers.
Tom: Going to New York for the
second time was incredible and reloaded my love for the city. New York has so
much to offer like the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Modern Art
not to mention the shops. The Kearsney College Choir workshop was fun and
taught us about how to sing traditional African songs. The Kearsney College
Choir made such a whole noise and used their instruments to support the song.
When “Team Victory” caught the subway to SoHo we had some great shopping experiences
as well as a great cultural experience at a traditional French restaurant called
Balthazar. New York City is the best city in the world!!!
Illy: At first I really wasn’t looking forward to the trip
but I kinda like America, I have really enjoyed it here I have liked singing in
some of the places and they will always be with me. So I really have enjoyed
the trip so far and I think we should go to Norway next time but yeah I really
like it J
Kehani: America is great! Not what I expected at all,
especially the KEARSNEY COLLEGE BOYS CHOIR!! Definitely the one of the highlights
of the tour so far, anyway… New York was super exciting! Being a part of the
everyday life and catching the subway and having starbucks. Can’t wait for Cincinnati!
Zac: Well, what fun I have had! New York was amazing! I
loved nearly every minute of it, except for being sooo tired! Central Park was
beautiful, Midtown Comics my favourite and the 9/11 memorial was breath-taking.
I thought that Intercourse Pennsylvania was very interesting and I really enjoyed
DC. Looking forward to Cincinnati and LA!
Harold: New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of!!
Well I wanted to start this off with a song quote for some weird reason. Anyways,
New York was AWESOME!!! In capitals that’s right that awesome, awesome in an
awesome sounding way everything was so big and I felt so small (finally) 9/11
memorial was moving, Empire State was amazing and the Norwegian girls’ choir, that’s
enough said. DC was a little more spacious and green but here we come CINCINNATI
AND LA!!
Joey: So everyone has been writing about New York and the
Amish or Washington… so I’m sure you will hear everything from them. I have decided
to fill you in on the tutors! “Get on that” is currently the quote of the trip.
We have commandeered 6 seats in the back of the bus and spend our time playing
crazy bus games and trying to make up funny songs. I get to share my time with
the beautiful and lovely Anya Gore and Danica Buzek (hehe) It’s been great being in a city we don’t know and
looking after children. We have managed not to lose any though! YAY! Some
highlights so far have been singing in the Cathedral in New York and at singing
“RFK” at Arlington Cemetery in Washington along with Billy’s dancing and
turning my white socks and undies blue oh and Brendan singing “RFK” like a
gorilla! And even though this in only the first post (good one Kim!) I will
talk to you later!
Danica: I have been looking forward to this trip for so long
now that it still hasn’t sunk in yet that I’m actually here. I’m travelling to
the most breathtaking sights with my best friends and the amazing kids we know
as hunter singers!! Every single person on this trip including the cheer squad
has already made it the most memorable experience of my life….and we’re only
half way through! Words cannot begin to describe times square at night – most amazing
sight you could ever see! Anyways, I am so proud to be a member of this group
and be able to see these amazing children mature and grow up whilst over here.
And what can I say except tutor represent!! :P
Anya and Owen: Cannot actually believe we are here! NYC was
an amazing and unique experience we will never ever forget, from riding the
subway to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to cute dinner dates with Brendan,
Danica and Joey in the park. Then to see the contrast of the beautiful Amish
country and Washington against the insanity and busyness of NYC reminds us how
much more this trip has to offer and how lucky we are to be here. We’re so
grateful to have the opportunity to be tutors on this trip and are so proud of
how far the group has come in such a short time. We’re also so grateful to be
here together and with some of our best friends. We’re having an amazing time
and can’t wait for what comes next J
Paul B. Travelling with this group is a unique way to see
the world. Making our own way around New York gave us so many interactions with
real New Yorkers, performing in great venues gave us an intimate connection
with spaces you would otherwise only look at. The group is great company,
especially Team Wally (Yuri: ”where would team wally be without an accordion?”)
and hearing something so dear to Julie and me performed with such dedication by
Kim and the Singers was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thanks.
Julie B. I love New York, it’s such an awesome place; full
of life 24 hours a day. The people are really friendly but laid back; they
tolerate visitors who don’t know their ways around and are slow at counting out
their money. Travelling out through New Jersey and Pennsylvania gives a
completely different picture. There is so much countryside, it’s a complete
contrast to Manhattan Is. Washington is a great place, a lot of thought has
gone into the building of the American nation.
Ashley F: New York was quite an
amazing experience, I had a mixture of feelings about New York. It was a
massive, busy and exciting city that never seems to sleep (except the sports
shops that I needed which shut at 5:30pm sharp haha). I enjoyed catching the
subways around and finding our own way around the city the same way that the
locals do. I explored a bit of the Bronx, Queens and obviously Manhattan. A
very exciting city, where sleep is not an option (lol), so it was very tiring.
I was surprised by the multiculturalism in New York, in all of the boroughs.
Erin: New York was incredible. It
is such an exciting city with so many interesting people bustling around. Our
subway experiences were always eventful but I was very relieved to have India
in my group as she was excellent with map reading!!! The Metropolitan museum
was wonderful and I especially enjoyed the Egyptian exhibition. The performance
at St. John the Divine was something that I will remember forever.
Peter W: New York – closing time
NEVER, so much to see & do. Friendly people, subway is fun, need 25 hours
in the day to do it all.
Claire W: New York, New York. Wow!
What a cultural experience. Chatted with a lovely lady on the subway who worked
in Queens, shopped at Macy’s with my (Chinese) Canadian friends who I haven’t
seen for 16 yrs, and a girl from Indiana who had stayed with us, met Peter from Brooklyn who my
daughter had stayed with during her time over here, chatted with an Irish lady
and a girl from Liverpool in the lift AND even heard some great Aussie singers
in Central Park! Who’da thought!?
Pat & John: AH. New York. We
loved the hustle & bustle. Times Square, the whole atmosphere. The
performance in the cathedral was inspiring. It is a pleasure to be part of this experience with a great
bunch of kids.
Bob P: New York fantastic !!! Times
Square mind blowing !! Saw three great shows on Broadway and will always
remember my New York experience.
