A Perfect Weekend

This weekend was perfect. I could just leave it at that because perfect is probably the only way I could really sum it up. I went to the Rocky Mountain Music Festival in Banff with my choir, and what a trip it was. I left work an hour early on Friday and caught the choir bus. I was running late and definitely sweating, fearing I would miss the bus. Luckily (for me) the bus was late and so I got there right before it did. We were off, and made it just in time to catch rush hour traffic coming out of downtown. We got to the south side pick up spot and left Edmonton over an hour later than expected. The ride was lovely and I had lots of fun conversations getting to know people on the bus better. We drove into Banff just in time to make our 10:00 pm rehearsal. Kokopelli (the choir I used to be in, but am too old for now) is a big deal at this festival. Seriously, people recognize you on the street and ask for pictures and stuff. Anyways, Kokopelli always has multiple showcase concerts, and its pretty much tradition to rehearse late late into the night on the eve of the showcase concerts. Oran (the young adult choir I'm in now) was lucky to come to Banff this year and share a couple numbers with Koko in their showcases. So our rehearsal with Kokopelli began at 10, and it went until about 11:30 for Oran. We were lucky to leave once our numbers were done. And Koko of course stayed much longer I'm sure.

We headed back to the hotel. I roomed with three lovely ladies; Elise, Nathalie, and Sandra. We had a blast! And the room was awesome. Needless to say I slept quite well. We awoke to a full day of choir awesomeness ahead. But it started with the delicious continental breakfast. I stuffed my face. It was wonderful. Then up the mountain we went to watch choirs perform. Let me tell you, I was in heaven! Choirs from around the country brought their best and performed wonderful inspiring music. Emotion completely conveyed through their music, I learned so much and loved every minute of it. There is no doubt that I am a choir person through and through. One particular performance that I especially loved was Corazon from Nelson, BC. They were incredible. Every single song they sang completely enthralled me. Absolutely amazing. I wish everyone could have an opportunity to watch them. Words really cannot express the joy it was to watch their performance.

I could have sat and watched all day but sadly they stopped for lunch and then individual choir clinics. So we went out for a delicious lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory. Many funny moments ensued, thanks to a waiter who was perhaps a little bit too eager.

Back at the hotel there was time for a quick dip in the ultra nice hot tub at the hotel. Its like a cave, and even opens up outside. I didn't want to get my hair wet before our concert that night, mostly cause I'm lazy (or time efficient) and didn't want to redo it. So I wore a shower cap. I'm so glad they put those in hotel rooms. It totally worked too! Hair was saved.

We drove up to Rolston Hall for the three consecutive showcase concerts. I love performing! These were such fun concerts to do. There were a couple moments where I totally forgot I was in Oran and not Kokopelli. It was very gracious of Kokopelli to share their showcase concerts. I had many incredibly happy moments through all three shows. I think my favorite number was Heartlines, it's just so much fun! And of course the audiences were all just wonderful. Its nice knowing they love choir just as much as you do. Post concert our choirs had the African dance party outside as the audience left. And I definitely dance partied until I went to bed. You can't beat a post concert high!

Sunday morning we had our group pictures, which guest starred a unicorn. Very entertaining. Then we had our choir's individual festival performance. It was amazing!!! Honestly I am always amazed at how lucky I am to be part of such an amazing choir with so many incredibly talented musicians. We ended on a comical note and received two standing ovations during our set. It felt good.

We had a break before our clinic so I walked down to the town. It was a nice time to reflect on the weekend and my life in choir, which started when I was 7 years old. Being in the mountains was a perfect setting, it was so beautiful. It is such a testimony to me of how much God loves us, creating such a beautiful world for us to live in. I am pretty lucky living so close to these mountains. Can I just say Canada is amazing! Once down the mountain I spent some more time with friends. Good times. Our clinic was awesome. And I was sad when it ended because I knew this weekend was so close being done. I didn't want to go home. I wanted the weekend to keep going and maybe repeat at least once.

I went with Nathalie in her car back, she also drove Emily, Zach, and Javier. We had a good time. And even got some Peter's drive-in in Calgary.

And now I'm back in Edmonton. Missing the festival in Banff. But really happy it happened. A perfect weekend.