Music Festival

   Sorry I haven't posted a long post in a while. I've been feeling sort of "off" this week and had to really struggle to ensure that my schooling was going well. However, last Sunday afternoon, a bunch of people from JCMU and I went to a concert a few train stops over (in Azuchi, Japan). Our Resident Assistant is a music major (who is working on his Masters/Doctorate with Indiana University), and he was part of this concert. Overall, it was a really good concert! The first artist group used traditional Japanese instruments and played two folk songs: "Sakura" and "Red Fireflies" (which I recognized from Indianapolis Children's Choir Choral Festival). Then, there was a group of three flutists. After that, there was a pianist. Then, our RA sang along with the pianist. I think the highlight for me was the soloist who sang "You Raise Me Up." However, I felt bad because we (gaijin) were all sitting in the front and I think she got more nervous, since she was singing in English. However, she did well despite that little speed bump. Another highlight, was when one soloist sang excerpts from the opera "Carmen." Finally, there was an impressive piano duet of songs from "The Nutcracker."
   Due to the "no camera during the concert rule," I was not able to get a picture of the piano. However, this piano was quite impressive. It was probably the largest grand piano I have ever seen. For some reason, the picture of the pipe organ will not load onto this entry. However, I do have it on Facebook.
   Overall, it was a wonderful experience and afterwards, a group of us went out for conveyer belt sushi, which is an experience in of itself. I will probably go again, and then take pictures (which I did not this time).
   As for this weekend: Tomorrow, I am going to Inuyama Castle (in a town about 1-2 hours away) for a "fundatory" field trip. Then, on Tuesday we get the day off, so I have planned an overnight in Osaka. Of course, I will tell you all about it as it happens! Have a great day and I will talk to you all later.

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