Wales 2010

The Cantabile Choir is currently on a three week tour of England, Scotland and Wales, culminating in their competing in the prestigious Langollen International Musical Eisteddfod .

Cantabile Compete at the LLangollen International Musical Eisteddfod:

Day 22 - 9th July 2010

Location: Llangollen Eisteddfod, Folk Song Competition, Only Men Aloud concert
Daily Update by: Shannon Saunders
Highlights of the Day: I woke up extremely early today because of the rapid movement of butterflies in my stomach. It was as if they had been built up over night waiting to surface. And surface they did! Kristie and I, being roommates, made our way down to breakfast where we had a light meal (Dr Peddell had recommended we don.t eat an awful amount, causing a sick, heavy feeling in our stomachs for performance) and we took our time in doing so. After I had put several glasses of Pineapple juice away, in an attempt to sooth my throat that had been causing me problems, Dr Peddell and Miss Cooke approached me to check up on the obvious nerves that took over my entire body. Everyone around us had their hair and makeup done which concerned me and Kristie (we.re not the most attractive people in the morning!), so we soon rushed upstairs and proceeded with our hair and makeup before getting dressed into our uniforms. The girls met in the downstairs rehearsal room for a quick warm up before we were scheduled to leave for the competition. We arrived at the Llangollen Eisteddfod grounds and were escorted backstage for preparation. I remember standing there, watching the television screen, hoping and praying that our performance did not go wrong. I could feel the pressure and weight on my shoulders immediately. When the American choir came off stage and were applauded, it was almost our turn to go through the same process. After an incredible performance from one of the three Philippine choirs, it was our turn to go out and wow the world. From Brisbane, Australia... please welcome the Canterbury College Cantabile Choir and their conductor, Katrina Peddell. And my heart stopped. It was now. The moment that had been haunting me for months was finally here. I was so excited that I had this opportunity, but my god... I was terrified! The beginning of .Jilbamyn. was sung and the opening of my solo had also arrived. At first I thought my shakes would get the better of me, but the minute the words came out of my mouth, I was pleased the outcomes weren.t as I had expected. The first part of my solo went perfectly; the second part, very much the same. I had Goosebumps by the end of it and was so pleased. .Kungala. was the next song on our program. WE WERE UNBELIEVABLE, if I may say so myself. But seriously, I have never had such a wholesome feeling. Going offstage, we kept our heads high and our smiles wide . we just couldn.t help it. We hung around for the adjudication. We sat towards the back of the HUGE tent, nervously awaiting the results. We weren.t sure how the other choirs went, as we were one of the last to perform and weren.t able to watch the others. They had begun reading out the judges. comments and the marks that had been given to each choir for each piece. The comments that we received were outstanding. They complimented our blend, our intonation, our variation in dynamics, our tone colour and phrasing, and our excitement and contrast between our two chosen piece and our overall .excellent singing. . Not one bad comment made. -Jilbamyn. . 88 -Kungala. . 91 The choir that had scored the highest was not that much ahead of us and by the end of the last choir.s announcement we had mentally added up our marks and compared them . if our calculations were correct, we would be placed third. We waited... and waited... and waited for the official presentation. They announced first place and then second place. I squeezed Kristie.s hand tight as they began to read out the choir that had claimed third place. "In third place - Canterbury College Cantabile Choir from Australia!" WOO! Within seconds, I was in tears. The feeling was absolutely overwhelming and I could not stop thinking about my family. My sister, Megan, who had performed the same solo two years ago at the World Choir Games in 2008 (in the Youth Choirs section, where we won gold) had told me that she believed in me and believed I could deliver an equally entertaining and satisfying result as she had done previously. My Dad, who has not been able to go on any of the 3 tours that he has sacrificed a lot to pay for, told me that he.d be waiting by the phone to hear the results. My Mum, who has never witnessed and will never be able to witness a performance, I know, was watching over us, and I know she was sitting there in the front row watching me. As ridiculous as it sounds, I panicked when I had received no sign of blessing or luck from her (like in previous performances). It was only at that moment that I finally realised she had. I got to make my phone call home and tell my anxious family that we had done it . I had sung the best I could and it was enough! I was overwhelmed at the results and I was so proud of each and every girl. We did it! We set out to do the best we could for Mrs G.s sake, and we can proudly come home with third place and tell her that we beat the choir that was titled .Choir of the World. in 2005. After hours of tears and smiles, photographs and shopping, we made our way back to the hotel. We got undressed and got back on the bus within an hour. We were on our way to the .Only Men Aloud. concert. At first, a few of us girls were unsure of our decision to spend another night out late, but having gone, there is no way I would have missed it. They did an arrangement of Robbie Williams., .Angel., and it was unbelievable! Oh my God! The harmonies and the dynamics sent shivers up and down my spine. I went numb at one stage (until a spider crawled on the lady in front of me and Alanah, scaring me, almost to tears). Back at the hotel, Kristie and I turned the TV on (this was just before 11pm) and the power went out. We were terrified as we had made the joke that our room was .haunted by Emily Rose.. Suddenly, Kristie had run out of the room in hysterics. We managed to reclaim the power and settle down to sleep. Our day was unbelievably eventful and tiring. I would like to thank Dr Peddell, Miss Cooke, Mrs Gouchee, all the Cantabile girls, all the supporters that we.re blessed to have with us, and all the supporters who unfortunately could not be on this tour. The competition was an amazing experience for me; everyone I.m sure. The feeling is still numbing throughout my body and I am so excited to return home to my family.
Special Message to Mrs G: Gee Gee! When I received the beautiful message from you, I was on the bus on the way to competition. It put countless tears in my eyes. The minute I put my phone down, I kept going through what you had said to me and made several promises to the girls and to you as a response to what you had to say. I hope I fulfilled your every wishes and I hope we made you proud, because my god, we would not be where we are today without you (and Dr Peddell) and we are so very thankful for having someone like you believing in us and training us to be the very best we can be as a choir and as individual women. We miss you so much; we love you so dearly and are remorseful at the fact that you could not join us. This was an incredible experience, like you said, and we cannot thank you enough!

Day 21 - 8th July 2010

Location: Llangollen
Daily Update by: Chelsea Currie
Highlights of the Day: O.M.G the food at this place is AMAZING! Every dish is the best food yet... definitely glad we’re here for the longest (8 nights). Today we had a total of three rehearsals, and as a result, we were all EXTREMELY tired by dinner. Each rehearsal went for between 2 & 3 hrs, but as we had a fair bit to practice/fix, we definitely needed it.
Funniest Moments: Well, after MANY hours of hard work, we were all exhausted, including DR. Peddell! Forgetting my water, I went back to my room. As I walked back into rehearsal I found everyone in hysterics as they watched Dr. Peddell lay on the floor with both legs in the air! : L She continued to conduct like this for several minutes before getting a headache.
Special Message to Mrs G: What to say. We worked extremely hard today, thinking of you the entire time with both your notes and Dr. Peddells, we¡¦ll be great!

Day 20 - 7th July, 2010

Location: Llangollen Eisteddfod – Competition Day 1 Senior Choir
Daily Update by: Emma
Highlights of the Day: Singing Rainstorm and Black Swana in the Senior Children’s Choir section of the competition, listening to other choirs, receiving adjudications, Kiana’s Birthday
Special Message to Mrs G: Hi Mrs. G, we have performed in the Senior Children’s Choir section today and I think you would be proud of the way we sang (even though you are always proud of us). All the girls were thinking of you and we all miss you heaps and wish that you could have been there with us today enjoying this exciting experience with us (which will be my last... sob).The girls did their very best today and were very responsive to Dr. Peddel which meant we had a really good performance. After our performance we listened to some of the other choirs competing in our section, including a choir from Perth. There are actually three choirs here from Australia, as far as I can tell and so they are very supportive of each other. It was also Kiana’s birthday today and so the girls all sang her happy birthday and we gave her a card (which everyone had signed in true cantabile style) and a present. She seems to be having a really good day which is good and she was ‘really surprised by the amount of love’ as she said, that everyone showed her. All in all today has been a really good day, with the girls doing the best they can and everyone having fun and enjoying themselves.

Day 19 - 6th July, 2010

Location: Llangollen, Reheasals, Preparation, Parade
Daily Update by: Sharon Steiner
Highlights of the Day: After registration and establishing where and when the competition was taking place and the parade to begin the excitement amongst the group began to grow. Whilst intensive rehearsals for the girls were being carried out behind closed doors, parents were busy washing and ironing clothes. Our beautiful hotel in Llangollen was abuzz. In the afternoon we all headed in our Aussie ¡°national¡± costume, and decorated bus into town. The crowds grew and many nations. choirs were there to parade. At 4.30pm the parade began and the girls felt like Aussie Olympians parading for their country as they cheered and chanted through the streets. The girls quickly made friends with children from all around the world and are getting extremely excited for the days ahead. The small town of Llangollen was a sea of people, colour and music. A fantastic experience for the whole tour group. Australia was well represented with another choir from Perth and Melbourne also proudly showing off the Aussie colours. The girls have hit the sack early tonight and will have an early start tomorrow morning being the first out of about 20 competitors in the Senior Choir section. Fingers and toes crossed. The next time you hear from us will hopefully be from one of the girls with an update of their first competition piece. GOOD LUCK GIRLS!!!!
Funniest Moments: When Andrea who was carrying our mascot/model of Susan was stopped and asked about five times if that was the new „Welsh. prime minister of Australia. Who knew that Julia Gillard was Welsh and that Susan Gouchee was our new Prime Minister. We know we.d all vote for you Susan.
Special Message to Mrs G: You were definitely with the girls today Susan as they travelled through the streets. I.m sure you can imagine how they all were . excited, loud and having a ball running on such an enormous high. It was a fantastic experience for all.

Day 18 - 5th July, 2010

Location: Travel Edinburgh to Llangollen, Hadrian’s Wall, Wales
Daily Update by: Sharon Steiner
Highlights of the Day: As the girls are now in full rehearsal and competition focus, I will try to update you over the days. Today was a long day of travel between Edinburgh and Llangollen however this gave all travellers a great time for resting and relaxation which was certainly beneficial for all. Dr. K. Peddell though may have felt like she hadn’t got off her plane. Along the way, the girls had a short walk to the top of Carlisle Hill to take in the sites of Edinburgh. We were lucky not to lose a few though at the top with wind gusts up to 60miles an hour. Further along the road we stopped at Gretna Green which is the alternative to Las Vegas for marriages in Scotland and where Jess Taylor’s grandparents married many years ago. Many more miles down the track we stopped to look at a section of Hadrian’s Wall and take in some of the beautiful sites of the Highland Country, rolling GREEN hills, and highland cattle and sheep. Everyone is excited then our hotel for the next 8 days came into view. Very beautiful, welcoming and with a wonderful homely feel. We are surrounded by beautiful hills/mountains and gardens so I think everyone was excited at the prospect of relaxing, but also getting into the focus of why we have all travelled so far – the Llangollen Eistedfod. We were all treated to beautiful meals at dinner with wonderful fresh vegetables, finished off with a delicious dessert. We were quite full afterwards with everyone having way too many second helpings I’m sure. Preparation began in the evening for the competition ahead with a sewing group of mothers tidying, hemming and tacking costumes. We were taken back many years to what I’m sure must have occurred amongst the ladies in the same hotel. It provided many laughs as some received their quick guide to sewing in about two minutes.
Funniest Moments: Being served every variety of potatoes imaginable with one meal – mashed, boiled and roasted and I’m sure there were chips on some plates with of course hash browns for breakfast. How many potatoes could one person possibly eat????? Our sewing group of mothers with some very quick learners. Let’s hope none of those hems or shoulder straps come down. Nicola and I receiving, after a hilarious trip of “rooms with a view”, the honeymoon suite.
Special Message to Mrs G: Don’t panic Susan – the girls are well rested, and beginning to feel the excitement of what lies ahead over the next couple of days. They will make you proud.

Day 15 - 2nd July, 2010

Location: York, Minster, Viking Centre, Shopping York
Daily Update by: Alanah Bebendorf and Clare Jones
Highlights of the Day: Today we explored York and its wonderful landmarks. Some of us visited the York Minster and although we unfortunately did to stay to see evensong, we still were amazed with the lovely architecture and beautiful art works. The rest of the morning was spent walking through the quaint streets of York and indulging ourselves in the bold shopping opportunities, once again. We met up as a group and headed for the York Viking centre, which was a very informative experience, telling us all about the medieval Vikings that once lived in York.
Funniest Moments: One of the funniest moments we shared as a group today was the awkwardness and honest fear that we had whilst inside the virtual medieval Viking train, whether it was toward the dodgy human Viking robots, the horrific medieval smell re-creation or the grand finale of the train- a fake Viking sitting on the toilet.
Special Message to Mrs G: We miss you so much Mrs. G! I know you would love it here (if you haven’t already been) it has shopping,, history and subtle hints of the supernatural.... as some of us found out on the ghost tour last night, which i know, holds some of your interests. Our preparation for the Llangollen festival is about to kick into full swing with our after dinner rehearsal in the royal York conference room later tonight. We hope to make you proud. Lots of love, Alanah.

Day 14 - 1st July, 2010

Location: Travel to York, Performance, York, Retirement Village, Ghost
Daily Update by: Lisa Patterson
Highlights of the Day: After leaving the amazing city of Cambridge (and unfortunately all of the stunning, fine English gentlemen) we left on a long bus journey to York. Kitch, our bus driver, had to endure an hour and a half of our rehearsal for the retirement home performance. We stopped for a quick breakfast lunch, which Marina York and myself went to a fish and chip shop. We took delight from hearing the English people saying ‘Welcome to York’s Fish and Chips’. After our rushed lunch we went straight to the hotel, where we quickly prepared for our performance. Once, we were at the Old persons home we were greeted by a lovely man who seemed very ecstatic to see us. First we sang Jilbamyn – with Monique as the soloist as Shannon was feeling sick. She was amazing and it was a great start to our performance. Then we sang ‘Queensland Song’ and ‘Sunburnt Country’ which we were proud to sing and represent our country – we felt patriotic, just as you had predicted. Then, Georgia Bell sang her solo of ‘Almost like Being in Love’. It was fantastic! She looked so excited to be singing and had a great stage presence – she got the Oldies tapping their feet. After that, we sang Black Swana which Kelsey did a fantastic job of conducting. Then Ebony sang her solo of her self-written piece – ‘Angel’. Which made grown men cry, as well as myself, half the choir and the Old people were amazed and at the verge of tears. Then we sang Motown! This went unbelievably awesome. Everyone really got into it – including the Oldies who were smiling and tapping their feet. After our applause we were asked to sing a song which I now don’t remember – oops. It was a very old song and we tried to sing it and the outcome was.. Interesting. Ebony and Kelsey tried to play it on the piano and couldn’t really get it. So, an old man with a walking stick said to us that he would give it a go. We all amazed when his fingers created magic on the piano. He then told us himself that he was a famous pianist and travelled all around the world in his youth. He then told us how he himself and travelled to Wales, Llangollen, and took part in the competition. He had played piano for a male choir and they then continued to win the competition. Afterwards we began walking to the ghost tour. Ms Gyte had her jumper stolen on the way! We thought that possibly, this was part of the Ghost Tour Act – and we were wrong. We were soon to discover (thanks to Mr Bebendorf) that two teenagers had stolen it. We ended up going to the wrong ghost tour and had to wait for our private tour. He was absolutely HILAROUS and still grossed us out. Then we travelled home and had a good nights sleep.
Funniest Moments: When ‘The Big One’ aka Mr Anthony Pennisi, was asked to play the horn. Every time he tried to play the horn he was never on quew or made the right sound. Also on the last horn blow we filmed him and it went for just under a minute!! Also i think the funniest part of the day was when the ghost hunter told us to watch this small metal black railing the surrounded allot of the paths, then after he told us about it about 2 minutes later we hear a scream and we all turn around to find Natasha on the floor as she has walked backwards and fallen over the railing.

Day 13 - 30th June, 2010

Location: Performance King Edward School, Travel to Cambridge, Evensong, Punting, Cambridge
Daily Update by: Stacey Anderson
Highlights of the Day: Today was a very eventful and exciting day. We woke up early in the morning to pack our bags to travel to Cambridge, but before our long journey, we took a detour to visit King Edward School where Cantabile performed as special guests at their middle school assembly. The audience loved our performance and we got quite a large applause. After singing at the assembly the Principal of the school and one of their talented music teachers took us on an exciting tour of the school. It was very interesting to see how different the school was to Canterbury College, because King Edward School was an amazing 450 years old. On our tour we were lucky enough to actually go inside some of their classrooms. The music rooms were filled with all the latest technology, including Macbooks and had lovely photos spread throughout the music hall of all their orchestra’s and bands, the other room we were lucky enough to visit was the Senior’s common room. It was so amazing! This room was for students in years eleven and twelve and it is a room for the senior students to relax, socialise and have lunch. When we were there the Principal introduced us and told the students a little bit about us. As we were leaving some of the students were cheering us all to sing... so that’s what we did. We gave them a taste of our Australian repertoire and what better song to sing than Jilbamyn. After our time at King Edward school we all got on the bus to travel to Cambridge. It was roughly a three hour bus trip where most of us rested up and got some sleep that a lot of us had been missing out on, due to how eventful the trip has been. Once we got to Cambridge we were all in for an exciting and fun afternoon. First we went punting. It was so much fun, we all enjoyed ourselves so much and some of us got to try punting ourselves, which was slightly difficult. After punting we walked to the Cambridge cathedral where we all enjoyed an Evensong with an all male voice choir. It was amazing and their sound was so pure. I’m sure they were a large inspiration on a lot of the girls. After doing all these activities we all travelled to the hotel to relax and get some well deserved sleep.
Funniest Moments: * When my court shoe broke
* When a boy fell in the river when punting because he was being stupid! (the river used to be a sewer)
* All the girls attempting to punt
Special Message to Mrs G: Hi Mrs Geeee (: I miss you so much and I only wish you were here to share this spectacular trip with us. We’ve all been enjoying ourselves so much and it’s been really good spending time with people we don’t usually hang out with. As we begin to rehearse I stop and think that the reason I am here is because of you. I’m doing this for you Mrs G. GO CANTABILE Love Always, Stacey xoxo.

Day 12 - 29th June, 2010

Location: Bath, Roman Baths, Jane Austen Centre, Shopping, Explore the town
Daily Update by: Marina York
Highlights of the Day: Roman Baths, and sightseeing Hi Mrs G, had a wonderful day yesterday- Bath is so gorgeous- it is so historical and beautiful. The hotel was very nice and relaxing. Yesterday morning we had a choice to go out sightseeing or just relax in our rooms. I went with mum and dad around Bath, and took went on a double Decker tour bus- and just drove around bath, taking many gorgeous photos. Had a very nice English Chicken Ceaser salad for lunch- and it was to die for!!! I bought the NICEST shoes- heels (of course). Then around 2:30, all the girls went to the Roman baths, and the history of it was/ is so amazing! Took many photos of the baths- the water actually looked really dirty, but of course they would be , but they were still very fascinating and interesting. Had some photos taken with the people who were dressed in old clothes presenting the culture back in those days, and also had a photo with a man who prayed for the baths- i found him strange but he was nice. The girls went out for dinner that night and then just split into groups and chose somewhere to eat- my group was with Monique, Lisa Alana, Megan, Shannon, Kiana and me. Some of us shared a pizza and some of us ordered our own stuff. Love you Mrs G xoxo
Funniest Moments: was splitting the bill for dinner- it was crazy, because the money is so confusing, and we just all put the money in a wine cup.
Special Message to Mrs G: Wish you were here miss you lots xxxxxxoxoxoxoxoxooxxoxoxooxxoxoooooooo

Day 11 - 28th June, 2010

Location: Travel Canterbury to Bath, Stonehenge, Rehearsal Bath
Daily Update by: Georgia Bell
Highlights of the Day: Going to Stonehenge was interesting as we all received information about the large rocks and why they were there. It was possibly one of the strangest things I have ever seen! While we were driving to Stonehenge it was a great opportunity to take photos of the beautiful country side including the field of red poppies.
Funniest Moments: The prank Stacey and Jess pulled on Tryphena, laughing for endless hours on the bus with ebony, finding out the view the Hilton provides is actually quite fascinating as it is looking onto the roof covered in moss with massive birds, their babies and their dead relatives.
Special Message to Mrs G: Hello Mrs G, well what to say. Today has been quite long and hot day but it was nice to see so many amazing sites! We travelled a lot and watched a Disney movie on the bus. It was a good chance to catch up on some sleep. Missing you sooooo much, can’t wait to tell you all the stories in detail when we get back. This is by far the best experience ever!

Day 10 - 27th June, 2010

Location: Canterbury, Cathedral – Evensong, Dinner English Pub
Daily Update by: Meagan Bebendorf
Highlights of the Day: Meagan has been unwell for several days so I will complete this before it is lost from our memories as it was a very special day. As many of you may have already heard to cut a long story short, following Evensong in the Cathedral, through the endless help of a very dear Australian supporter, the girls managed to get to sing in the Cathedral. Normally there is a 5 yr waiting list for this privilege. Following many photos a wonderful dinner was enjoyed by the girls and parents as everyone began to wind down in Canterbury. Several of us tourists also enjoyed a river/canal boat road which was also very relaxing, informative and with our guide provided many laughs.
Funniest Moments: Whilst walking back to the hotel after Evensong, some of the girls were walking past a cinema. Hearing a thumping down the stairs ‘sounding like a heard of cows’(statement by Monique) followed by a loud crash we were soon to find that it was a man carrying not one, but four rubbish bins as he rushed down the stairs. He couldn’t stop as he ran and the next thing, watching his face get closer and closer to the ground, he epically stacked it bringing the contents of the bins up and into the air and all over the floor. Sprawled along the stairs the man slowly stood up, glaring at the extent of the mess, he was so embarrassed! Brought to you by Chelsea.C, Meagan, Monique and Kiana
Special Message to Mrs G: You would have felt extremely proud and excited with how the performance was pulled off in the church and forever grateful to such a wonderful supporter which we accrued in such a short amount of time. Take care and always thinking of you.

Day 9 - 26th June, 2010

Location: Tower of London, Harrods, shopping
Daily Update by: Jess Taylor
Highlights of the Day: This morning we caught the bus to The Tower of London and despite everyone’s excitement for the trip to Harrods we were all happy to stop and appreciate the amazing buildings that surrounded us. At the Tower of London there were incredible forts and the famous crown jewels afterwards we got ice cream and met our new bus driver, Kitch who had us all laughing with his strange sense of humour. We soon arrived at shopping central and most importantly, Harrods. So busy, filled with everything a girl could dream of - Harrods was the most amazing place ever. From Jimmy Choo’s to a food hall that had food from every culture, today I realised Harrods is what dreams are made of. We had dinner in the hotel and were asked to sing for the other guests so it’s safe to say we have plenty of practise at Jilbamyn. Everyone was tired and ready for bed in our cute little hotel in the cute little town of Canterbury.
Funniest Moments: *Stealing both of Tryphena's left vans
*The meeting of Kitch the bus driver
Special Message to Mrs G: Hey Mrs G, we're all having an awesome time and loving everywhere we go so much. Hope everything is going well at home and just wanted to say thank you so so much for all the hard work you put into the tour and itinerary - it's incredible. Miss you and we will all see you very soon xoxo

Day 8 - 25th June, 2010

Location: Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Oxford Street – shopping, Theatre – Lion King and Wicked
Daily Update by: Marina York and Lisa Patterson
Highlights of the Day: Lisa:: Well let me just say that today was such a strange yet amazing day. We all had to get up and we had to leave the hotel by 8.30 am-it was crazy. I was so tired but anyways besides that, once we were all on the bus, the bus driver drove us to Kensington Park- he was very funny and had an amazing accent. We were extremely short on time because there was a mistake in the times for the Kensington Palace, so we all had to choose between the Kensington Palace or the changing of the guards in Buckingham Palace. I chose the Kensington Palace and i am so glad i did. It was amazing the rooms were so well done i think i only had one thing i didn’t really like, which was when i entered the first room, all the walls were drawn on with texters, i know it was part of the whole thing but it was pretty bad, oh well it was still a great experience. Tonight we all went to see our shows, i choose Lion king and it was so good. Every song i got chills down my spine-- i loved it!!! Anyway, im a little tired so ill talk to u later. Lisa xxx Marina:: Hi Mrs G well, very big day to share with you, it has been so exciting!!! It is very hot here_ and the sightseeing was amazing today. Lisa has pretty much explained most of it. Kensington park was lovely- so beautiful and green- and lots of English dogs about (haha- they were so cute!!). We had a nice walk about, and stopped outside of Princess Diana’s palace- it was gorgeous and just stopped for a photo or two. It was not open for another hour, so we just walked around and took lots of photos. Later on we had a choice to go to either Princess Diana’s palace (inside the house), or Buckingham palace to watch the changing of the guards- it was a hard choice but i decided to go to Buckingham Palace- I’ve always wanted to see it. Well the two groups split up and went their own way. The group to the Buckingham palace had to walk to the palace- it was absolutely tiring (a very VERY long walk, a few Kilometres or so) (but the exercise is so worth it ) we finally got there and it was so packed! It was very nice though and very HOT we watched ceremony with lots of guards with their marching. Later on we went SHOPPING!!! It was of course exciting, and my money was practically yelling at me to let them out of my wallet :D. I have to say i was proud of myself as i only bought a couple of things- a waist skirt and hair clips. Tonight we went to see WICKED_ and it was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING- so fantastic!!! Wow. it was a great day and miss you so much. Love from Marina xoxo ( Oh, and the English accents here, are.. well let us just say WE LOVE Them!!! The first thing Marina wanted to do when we landed in London, and stepped off the plane was to hear an accent!)
Funniest Moments: Lisa: waited for pizza till 1:00 am and then passed out in kelseys and marina yorks room for the night – and got marina Pennisi worried when lisa was not in her room. Marina: Waiting for pizza till 1:00 am in the morning- while half falling asleep and eating pizza on MY bed : :-D. There were many fun and funny moments and many clumsy moments (of course haha).
Special Message to Mrs G: WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO MUCH. XOXOXO

Day 7 - 24th June, 2010

Location: London, St Paul’s, Westminster, London Eye
Daily Update by: Sam Joyce
Highlights of the Day: Today was the first day of site-seeing London and it didn’t disappoint. Some highlights were visiting Westminster Abbey Cathedral and being guided around by our tour guide. We saw the graves of many significant people and the architecture of the entire Cathedral was memorising. Our guide pointed out to us that the style of architecture that was used in the roof of the Cathedral was a style only used by English people. Today we also saw St Pauls Cathedral and we walked onto the bridge from the Harry Potter movie to get a better view. Near the bridge our guide pointed out to us the School that Daniel Radcliff went to. As we were walking back off the bridge back to our coach there was a random piano on the streets intended for people to play. Ebony started to play it then we suggested she play Black Swana. So we all sang Black Swana in the street and locals were stopping to listen as well. It was an amazing experience. Along our guided tour of London, even though we didn’t have as long, we saw big Ben, Little Ben, Westminster Abbey Cathedral, Piccadilly Circus, The Gringotts Bank from Harry Potter, Parliament Place, Kensington Gardens, the Museum Quarters, Buckingham Palace and other famous streets from Monopoly. Today we also went to the Covent Garden Markets which were filled with many little stalls and big ones. We split up into groups and my Group was Ebony, Chelsea, Marina P and Mr Pennisi. We walked around the shops and we saw the weirdest shoes. They looked like sneakers but had a heal. We all really wanted a pair because they were so unusual but they were about 80 pound so we didn’t. After the markets we walked over to the London Eye to get our tickets. While we were waiting for Mrs Anderson, we saw another choir, much smaller than ours in purple shirts who were from America. They told us they were touring the UK to sing in Churches and Cathedrals but were not going to the Llangollen Eisteddfod. We sang a song with them, which some of us didn’t know then they performed a song for us. They were amazing. We then sang Jilbamyn for them and they really seemed to enjoy it. It was such a great experience to talk to and to hear another choir from another country. They were really kind and friendly people. Then we went on the eye. We split up into our Lion King and Wicked Groups. The views were unbelievable. From the top, we could see the whole of the London City. We all took lots of photos, sometimes of each other but we all couldn’t deny the great experience it was.
Funniest Moments: For me, one of the funniest moments today was when my group went into Starbucks, which I was very excited about. We had ordered frappacinos and Ebony, Chelsea and I had got ours. Then marina grabbed what she thought was to be her drink and started drinking it but didn’t like it. So just as Mr Pennisi was going to order another drink they called out the order of a caramel Frappacino which is what Marina had order. We then realised that she had taken the wrong drink so she took the Frappacino and we left as quickly as we could. Another funny moment was our first bus driver, Terry. He was always making jokes or saying something like that the wire fencing around Buckingham Palace wasn’t to keep people out but to keep her in and some cantabile girls believed him. He thought we were so gullible and he also did a magic trick for Miss Cooke. He asked her to pick a card when we got on the bus so she did. He had previously turned one card over in a deck. He asked what card Miss Cooke’s was and it was a ace of hearts. Then he flipped over the turned card and it was ace of hearts. Miss Cooke was stunned. She was amazed by how he did it. He was a really great bus driver.
Special Message to Mrs G: Hi Mrs G, Everyone misses you sooooo much. It is great having Miss Cooke and Mrs Gyte but it isn’t the same without you. I really miss your funny stories and everyone says how much they miss you. This really does prove what a massive impact you have had on not just me but the whole Choir. I really hope you are getting better and we are always thinking of you and trying to do you proud. Get well soon

Day 6 - 23rd June, 2010

Location: Dubai - London
Daily Update by: Chelsea Rose
Highlight of the Day: The highlight of today was being able to finally get off the plane after an extremely long journey. Another highlight was watching people take pictures with ‘Mrs G’ and watching them figure out how to give her a body.....secretly, I have a feeling Mrs G is going to know it’s not her
Funniest Moments: Today was mostly spent on the plane , however there was one funny moment which was unexpected. One of the emirates crew was asking who was in charge of the choir, and when Miss Cooke identified herself as the tour leader the man looked at her and went... ‘Really?’ Obviously he thought she was too young but this just proves her youthful charm? We all love you Miss Cooke, even if you do happen to be almost as short as me? Remember, good things come in small packages!
Special Message to Mrs G: Even though you aren’t here, everyone is thinking of you and trying to be on their best behaviour for Miss Cooke and Mrs Gyte

Day 5 - 22nd June, 2010

Location: Brisbane Airport
Daily Update by: Ebony Rose
Highlight of the Day: Today the highlight was luggage I didn’t realise how nervous I felt about my luggage being overweight until I arrived at the counter and heard myself let out a huge sigh of relief when I found out it was definitely under 20 kgs. Then there was my hand luggage – they didn’t weigh it at the first place but as we walked through the next section they did – and that was okay as well thank goodness then there was the horror of having something I’m not meant to in my carry on or them swiping the beeper over me. I was so nervous and as we were nearing the counter (My sister and I) i prayed and prayed which looking back now that was kind of weird And thank goodness because i got through alright. Although apparently Emma got pulled up for her hair which was quite funny haha. (And I am trying not to think about them losing my bag although this sentence is not a highlight ) So that was the highlight of my day, the nervousness I encountered when dealing with luggage. Well excitement, tensions and busyness is running high amongst the Cantabile households as everyone is finishing last minute packing, making sure the pets are cared for, post diverted, money exchanged, phones redirected, costumes are washed, passports are packed and bags are weighed. Hopefully all of the girls managed to keep to the 20kg limit – remember all of that wonderful shopping that Andrea, Miss Cooke was telling us about. Hopefully everyone manages to get a good night’s sleep tonight and not kept awake worrying about what they may have forgotten. Rest up – Just one day to go.
Funniest Moments: The funniest moment began in the shops at the airport. I had decided to walk around with Emma, and we had decided to go to the newsagents to buy a magazine for the plane trip. After choosing the best one – we walked over to the counter and handed over a $20 note. The lady gave us back the right amount of change and then i realised Chelsea and I needed a water bottle. So, we handed back some of the change the lady at the counter had given us – and she refused it. She said “We do not accept New Zealand money”. So anyway we replied “You just gave this money to us ma’am” and she yet again refused – so after 3 or 4 minutes of her refusing the money she had handed us ???? we payed with other money so that was funniest moment number one of today Number two began when we (Emma and I) had to go to the ‘ladies’ and we went .. then on the way out we realised the time and ran half the way to gate 75 until we realised we were ahead of most of the other cantabile girls and supporters and slowed down. Then we started singing and realised we were in the airport after a few people stared at us. So that was also funny. Final funny moment so far of today was in the little tunnel getting on to the plane. Jess/ Tryphena and Stacey were deep in conversation when Chelsea and I joined them, the topic was hand luggage and whether parachutes would be acceptable to bring on in a handbag. After a few laughs (I’ve forgotten the jokes) We came to the conclusion even if we had parachutes we couldn’t fit through the miniature windows – then a second later Stacey realises there are emergency exits. Then we all sigh a sigh of relief. Bringing to conclusion funny moment number 3.
Special Messages to back Home: I miss you already (family and friends). Mum and dad, - don’t let auntie Maxine and family set fire to our precious house while we’re away. – Don’t let their dog pee anywhere except under a tree (preferably far away from the house) and come over to England as soon as possible. Although the plane trip has been good so far – I am watching the spy next door (it’s a movie) and the people in front are watching top gear – haha laughs. I am sitting next to chels who is then sitting next to Lauren and her mum
Special Message to Mrs G: The plane people announced over the speaker – A special welcome to the Canterbury College Cantabile (you guesses it – said incorrectly) and everyone cheered!! We are all thinking of you xoxoxoxo (And we miss you heaps)

Day 3 & 4 - 20-21 June, 2010

Location: Brisbane
Daily Update by: Sharon Steiner
Well excitement, tensions and busyness is running high amongst the Cantabile households as everyone is finishing last minute packing, making sure the pets are cared for, post diverted, money exchanged, phones redirected, costumes are washed, passports are packed and bags are weighed. Hopefully all of the girls managed to keep to the 20kg limit – remember all of that wonderful shopping that Andrea, Miss Cooke was telling us about. Hopefully everyone manages to get a good night’s sleep tonight and not kept awake worrying about what they may have forgotten. Rest up – Just one day to go. As the photos tell – We are packed, ready for our adventure, up, up and away. See all at the airport.

Day 2 - 19th June, 2010

Location: Dress Rehearsal and Farewell Concert
Daily Update by: Sharon Steiner
Wow what an amazing night. All hands were on deck today setting up but the efforts were certainly worth it. With all the different crews arranging auctions, preparing food cooling drinks, organising sound and lighting, creating balloon displays and so much more. What a great team effort, all contributing to such a successful night. Girls you were beautiful and as Lord Mayor Pam Parker stated “Yes your parents, friends, family and supporters are so, so proud of you”. And if Savage Garden could wow the world, imagine what the Cantabile girls can achieve. To the girls, Susan and Andrea, thank you all for a wonderful evening. The audience was abuzz with nothing but praise for you all. At last there are some photos attached. It was so hard to choose which one said it all. Hopefully many others will go up on the website in the next day or so.
Highlight of the Day: The concert of course
Special Message to Mrs G. Thanks to all of your hard efforts, the girls were incredible last night.

Day 1 - 18th June, 2010

Location: CEC – Farewell Concert & Tour rehearsal
Daily Update by: Lauren Steiner
Lucky for us rehearsal didn’t start until 12 which resulted in a sleep in for most of us(what we wouldn’t do for a couple extra hours of sleep). The weather was cold, cloudy and miserable which reflected on the way that most of the girls felt after a long school term. In the morning, most girls were quite chatty however as rehearsal came to conclusion, most of the girls looked weary and drained of energy. It was only until the powerpoint was shown to us at the end of rehearsal that the girls began to look forward to the trip which was only a short 4 days away. The powerpoint displayed the last 2 years in the lead up to now and reflected on the hard effort that everyone put toward the trip. We all left rehearsal, proud of our efforts and determined to come home from Wales with nothing less than first place.
Highlight of the Day: Mrs G’s story about being held up in a bank
Funniest Moments: Monique my little ...buddy!!
Special Message to Mrs G. Thanks for the lift to rehearsal bright and early.