Written by: Brody Rodriguez
Yesterday was the final day of the “Hand in Hand” tour. What an amazing experience this has been and being granted the privilege to be part of this group another year.
We started off the day by returning to First Lutheran Church in Findlay and were greeted by pancakes being cooked up by the pastor. I indulged in only one of them because I know for a fact that I’ve been packing on plenty of pounds this tour already. The food that we have been offered from all of our stops this year were absolutely fantastic. I don’t regret eating a single one of the meals this tour.
After the morning we quickly hopped on the bus to travel to the Harding Presidential Library. This place was absolutely fantastic and all of the guides seemed so happy to be presenting their own interests to us. We took part in a myth busting game that they provided for us as we traveled through the museum. Did you know that the people of Idaho gave President Harding a giant papier-mâché potato during his “Voyage of Understanding” trip in 1923? We learned that and many more facts at the museum and it was such a fun trip.
After the museum, we traveled to Mt. Gilead for our lunch. We dined on some of the best sloppy joes I’ve ever eaten followed by… 14 slices of watermelon. Porter, a fellow watermelon enjoyer, consumed 17 slices. It’s was only a friendly competition. I was very full by the end though and could not continue pushing the record…maybe next year?
We finally traveled back to Roscoe Village in Coshocton. I had a nice power nap on the way which was really nice. When we arrived we spent some time making final tweaks to our rep before we were allowed to a 45 minute tacet time. This is when we are quiet for a little bit to rest our bodies, minds, spirits, and mostly importantly…our voices. During this time was able to visit the Coshocton Visitors Bureau and become the first Fulton County member to visit the area this year! Here at The Cardinal Chorale, there is always history in the making.
Our final supper together was a Thanksgiving feast to celebrate our final night together as the 29th Edition of The Cardinal Chorale. What an honor it was to have spent it with all of these individuals.
The final concert had its ups and downs, but overall was definitely one of our best that we’ve had all tour. I was not disappointed in myself with the mistakes I made, but rather thankful that I know that I have 34 other singers to back me up when I fall. I’m so grateful that I was once again able to be a part of this fantastic group and can’t wait for the workshop! Onto the 30th Edition. See you soon! (Outro music).