Falcon Band in China

Tucson - Return

2008-07-02T20:53:00.033-07:00

(Image loading may take some time)

The group checked out of the Beijing Hotel this morning and bussed to the Beijing Capital Airport. The Band then broke into flight groups and boarded their assigned aircraft.

After VERY long flights and some extended connections (some more extended than others), the groups arrived in Phoenix and finally bussed to Tucson. The exhausted students were greeted by parents and friends. The trip provided an excellent opportunity for students to learn about another culture's customs, people, language, traditions, and cuisine. The students were able to perform at locations with incredible backdrops and provide a taste of their own music to the Chinese people.

Thanks to all those students, parents, friends, and staff who provided photos and comments for this blog.

July 2 : 01 Lobby of Beijing Best Western Hotel

July 2 : 02 Beijing Capital Airport Departure Terminal

July 2 : 03 Beijing Capital Airport Departure Terminal

July 2 : 04 Phoenix Sky Harbor Arrival Area

July 2 : 05 Phoenix Sky Harbor Arrival Area

July 2 : 06 Phoenix Sky Harbor Arrival Area

July 2 : 07 Phoenix Sky Harbor Arrival Area

July 2 : 08 Phoenix Sky Harbor Arrival Area

July 2 : 09 Phoenix Sky Harbor Arrival Area

July 2 : 10 Phoenix Sky Harbor Arrival Area

July 2 : 11 Phoenix Sky Harbor Arrival Area

July 2 : 12 Phoenix Sky Harbor Arrival Area

July 2 : 13 KOLD Return Coverage - Click Play Button

Beijing - Zoo, Tea House, and Banquet

2008-07-01T07:55:00.028-07:00

Our last full day in Beijing!

On the way to the zoo, we drove by the Olympic Park and saw the National Stadium (Bird's Nest). However, a gloomy morning prevented a clear view of the architecture.

Drove to the Beijing Zoo to visit the pandas and then off to a Chinese Tea House. A formal tea preparation demonstration was given. Be sure to ask your student about the surprise ending.

After lunch, the students were given an opportunity to shop in downtown Beijing and to visit the street vendors. Some of the more adventurous individuals tried the deep-fried "things" on-a-stick.

Our last dinner in China was our Roasted Peking Duck banquet. Ms Shane thanked all those responsible for the great trip.

July1 : 01 Beijing Olympic Stadium

July1 : 02 Beijing Zoo

July 1 : 03 Beijing Zoo

July 1 : 04 Beijing Zoo

July 1 : 05 Beijing Zoo

July 1 : 06 Beijing Zoo

July 1 : 07 Beijing Zoo

July 1 : 08 Beijing Zoo

July 1 : 09 Tea House

July 1 : 10 Tea House

July 1 : 11 Tea House

July 1 : 12 Lunch

July 1 : 13 Shopping at Olympic Store

July 1 : 14 Street Shopping

July 1 : 15 Street Shopping Snacks

July 1 : 16 Downtown Beijing Shopping

July 1 : 17 Peking Duck Dinner

July 1 : 18 Peking Duck Dinner

July 1 : 19 Peking Duck Dinner

July 1 : 20 Peking Duck Dinner

July 1 : 21 Peking Duck Dinner

July 1 : 22 Peking Duck Restaurant

Beijing - Great Wall

2008-06-30T08:42:00.035-07:00

Wall Day - Two Great Wall locations, two performances!

This morning , we bussed to Juyong Pass about 50 km north of Beijing. First item of business was a group photo of the band in front of the wall. Then the band then set up in front of a temple on the wall and ran through their stationary performance. Free time then allowed students to climb the wall.

After lunch, we traveled another 10 Km north to explore the Badaling section of the wall.

After dinner, the band performed for the last time in China. Another high school band and several Chinese ensembles also performed with the Great Wall as the backdrop.

June 30 : 01 Great Wall - Juyong Pass - CFHS Falcon Band

June 30 : 02 Great Wall - Juyong Pass - Friends & Relatives

June 30 : 03 Great Wall - Juyong Pass

June 30 : 04 Great Wall - Juyong Pass Performance

June 30 : 05 Great Wall - Juyong Pass Performance

June 30 : 06 Great Wall - Juyong Pass Performance

June 30 : 07 Great Wall - Juyong Pass Performance

June 30 : 08 Great Wall - Juyong Pass Performance

June 30 : 09 Great Wall - Juyong Pass Performance

June 30 : 10 Great Wall - Juyong Pass Performance

June 30 : 11 Great Wall - Juyong Pass Performance

June 30 : 12 Great Wall - Juyong Pass

June 30 : 13 Great Wall - Juyong Pass

June 30 : 14 Great Wall - Juyong Pass

June 30 : 15 Dinner

June 30 : 16 Dinner

June 30 : 17 Dinner

June 30 : 18 Great Wall - Badaling

June 30 : 19 Great Wall - Badaling

June 30 : 20 Great Wall - Badaling Rehearsal

June 30 : 21 Great Wall - Badaling, Festival Rehearsal

June 30 : 22 Great Wall - Badaling, Chinese Ensemble

June 30 : 23 Great Wall - Badaling, Chinese Ensemble

June 30 : 24 Great Wall - Badaling, Chinese Ensemble

June 30 : 25 Great Wall - Badaling Performance

June 30 : 26 Great Wall - Badaling Performance

June 30 : 27 Great Wall - Badaling Performance

June 30 : 28 Great Wall - Badaling Performance

Beijing - Forbidden City Rehearsal and Performance

2008-06-29T07:40:00.049-07:00

Today was dedicated to the Forbidden City performance. After breakfast, the band was bussed to a rear entrance and rehearsal warmup was held in one of the many rear courtyards of the Forbidden City.

Following the warmup, rehearsal started in the main courtyard. Five other bands participated in the rehearsal - a HS band from Pennsylvania, the Chinese Naval Band, a band from Hong Kong, and 2 local Beijing bands. The colorguard was able to exchange ideas with their counterparts from one of the local bands.

After lunch, the performance was taped by CCTV Beijing television. The performance will be broadcast on National television on a later date. The final number was a joint production of all the participating bands.

Everyone was pleased with the performance and the band then traveled to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

On the bus after dinner, the band received some exciting news : wake-up call is not until 7:00 AM.

June 29 : 01 Forbidden City - Festival Warmup

June 29 : 02 Forbidden City - Festival Warmup

June 29 : 03 Forbidden City - Festival Warmup

June 29 : 04 Forbidden City - Festival Rehearsal

June 29 : 05 Forbidden City - Festival Rehearsal

June 29 : 06 Forbidden City - Festival Rehearsal

June 29 : 07 Forbidden City - Festival Rehearsal

June 29 : 08 Forbidden City - Festival Rehearsal

June 29 : 09 Forbidden City - Festival Rehearsal

June 29 : 10 Forbidden City - Festival Rehearsal

June 29 : 11 Forbidden City - Festival Rehearsal

June 29 : 12 Forbidden City - CFHS/Chinese Colorguard Rehearsal

June 29 : 13 Forbidden City - CFHS/Chinese Colorguard Rehearsal

June 29 : 14 Forbidden City - CFHS/Chinese Colorguard Rehearsal

June 29 : 15 Forbidden City - Festival Rehearsal

June 29 : 16 Forbidden City - CFHS/Chinese Colorguard Rehearsal

June 29 : 17 Forbidden City - Festival Rehearsal

June 29 : 18 Forbidden City - Festival Rehearsal

June 29 : 19 Forbidden City - Festival Rehearsal

June 29 : 20 Forbidden City - Festival Performance

June 29 : 21 Forbidden City - Festival Opening

June 29 : 22 Forbidden City - Chinese Navy Band

June 29 : 23 Forbidden City - Chinese Navy Band

June 29 : 24 Forbidden City - Chinese Colorguard

June 29 : 25 Forbidden City - Chinese Band

June 29 : 26 Forbidden City - Chinese Band

June 29 : 27 Forbidden City - Festival Performance

June 29 : 28 Forbidden City - Festival Performance

June 29 : 29 Forbidden City - Festival Performance

June 29 : 30 Forbidden City - Festival Performance

June 29 : 31 Forbidden City - Festival Performance

June 29 : 32 Forbidden City - Festival Performance

June 29 : 33 Forbidden City - Festival Performance

June 29 : 34 Forbidden City - Festival Performance

June 29 : 35 Forbidden City - Festival Performance

June 29 : 36 Forbidden City - Festival Performance

June 29 : 37 Forbidden City - Festival Performance

June 29 : 38 Forbidden City - Festival Performance

June 29 : 39 Forbidden City - Festival Exit

June 29 : 40 Festival Pass

Beijing - Summer Palace, Forbidden City, and Opera

2008-06-28T08:07:00.032-07:00

Another full day!

Visited Summer Palace in the morning including a boat ride in the palace lake.

Stopped at a pearl factory before lunch.

After lunch, walked through Tiananmen square and entered the vast complex of the Forbidden City. Had a few light sprinkles in the afternoon, but not enough to affect the tour.

After dinner, attended Peking Opera.

June 28 : 01 Summer Palace

June 28 : 02 Summer Palace

June 28 : 03 Summer Palace - Marble Boat

June 28 : 04 Summer Palace

June 28 : 05 Summer Palace

June 28 : 06 Lunch

June 28 : 07 Summer Palace

June 28 : 08 Summer Palace

June 28 : 09 Summer Palace

June 28 : 10 Summer Palace - Palace Lake Cruise

June 28 : 11 Summer Palace - Palace Lake Cruise

June 28 : 12 Tiananmen Square - Group 1 Photo

June 28 : 13 Tiananmen Square - Group 2 Photo

June 28 : 14 Forbidden City

June 28 : 15 Forbidden City

June 28 : 16 Forbidden City

June 28 : 17 Forbidden City

June 28 : 18 Forbidden City

June 28 : 19 Forbidden City

June 28 : 20 Forbidden City Garden

June 28 : 21 Forbidden City

June 28 : 22 Forbidden City

June 28 : 23 Forbidden City

June 28 : 24 Forbidden City

June 28 : 25 Forbidden City

June 28 : 26 Forbidden City

June 28 : 27 Peking Opera

June 28 : 28 Peking Opera

June 28 : 29 Peking Opera

June 28 : 30 Peking Opera

Beijing - Temple of Heaven

2008-06-27T08:28:00.038-07:00

It was an extremely full day - started with a great breakfast at the hotel with a large selection of Chinese and American food.

We first went to a jade factory - saw skilled artisans cutting and polishing fine jade carvings. Then visited a large showroom with spectacular jade sculptures and jewelry.

Then on the Temple of Heaven. Guides were very helpful in describing architecture, history of the temple, and surrounding grounds. Free time allowed students to explore, take photos, and take advantage of some downtime.

Following lunch, we visited a silk factory. Demonstrations included spinning thread from the cocoon and layering a silk quilt.

After extended stay at the factory, we departed and bussed to the acrobatic theater. The acrobatic show was spectacular. The talented performers, colorful costumes, beautiful sets, and great music made a lasting impression.

Had dinner following the performance and arrived back at the hotel late. Not much trouble getting the students into bed - they were exhausted.

June 27 : 01 Jade Factory

June 27 : 02 Jade Factory

June 27 : 03 Jade Factory

June 27 : 04 Temple of Heaven - Caligraphy Practice

June 27 : 05 Temple of Heaven

June 27 : 06 Temple of Heaven

June 27 : 07 Temple of Heaven

June 27 : 08 Temple of Heaven

June 27 : 09 Temple of Heaven

June 27 : 10 Temple of Heaven

June 27 : 11 Temple of Heaven

June 27 : 12 Temple of Heaven - Nine Dragon Tree (Feel the Force)

June 27 : 13 Temple of Heaven

June 27 : 14 Temple of Heaven

June 27 : 15 Temple of Heaven-Tour Guides

June 27 : 16 Temple of Heaven

June 27 : 17 Silk Factory

June 27 : 18 Silk Factory

June 27 : 19 Silk Factory - Pulling Quilt Layer

June 27 : 20 Silk Factory- Shopping

June 27 : 21 Lunch

June 27 : 22 Acrobatic Show

June 27 : 23 Acrobatic Show

June 27 : 24 Acrobatic Show

June 27 : 25 Street Vendor

Beijing - Arrival

2008-06-26T06:39:00.030-07:00

Internet access was not available during our time in Chengde. We are now in Beijing and access is good.

Here's a summary of the first few days:

We arrived safely in Beijing and we immediately bussed to Chengde. We received a very warm welcome at the hotel in Chengde (see welcome banner below).

The itinerary has been altered significantly, but we plan to see everything and will perform at the expected locations.

The kids are great travelers and are taking tons of photos.

We had an exciting night in Chengde when thunderstorm knocked out power just prior to Welcome Banquet. When the power was restored, the banquet commenced.

Visited Mountain Resort and 2 temples. Students and (some) parents climbed more than 300 steps to top of the temple.

The evening rehearsal in hotel parking lot was very interesting - be sure to ask just students for details!

The next day, the band performed at a cultural festival. Participants included the CFHS Falcon Band, the Londonderry HS Band from New Hampshire, the West Shore HS Band from Pennsylvania, and several Chinese marching and entertainment groups. The festival was held on the campus of the Chengde Teachers College.

Band was very well received and students had a great time. After the performance, the students met with their Chinese counterparts in classroom settings to exchange ideas.

The band then bussed back to Beijing and checked into the hotel. A full day scheduled for tomorrow.

Best seat on the bus is just behind and above the driver where one can truly appreciate local driving habits.

June 26 : 01 Beijing Capital Airport - Arrival

June 26 : 02 Beijing Capital Airport - Entry Control

June 26 : 03 Beijing Capital Airport - Arrival

June 26 : 04 Beijing Capital Airport - Arrival

June 26 : 05 Beijing Capital Airport

June 26 : 06 On the Road to Chengde

June 26 : 07 Chengde Hotel

June 26 : 08 Chengde Hotel Welcome Banner

June 26 : 09 Mountain Resort

June 26 : 10 Mountain Resort

June 26 : 11 Mountain Resort

June 26 : 12 Mountain Resort

June 26 : 13 Mountain Resort

June 26 : 14 Mountain Resort

June 26 : 15 Band Busses

June 26 : 16 Puning Temple

June 26 : 17 Puning Temple

June 26 : 18 Puning Temple

June 26 : 19 Puning Temple

June 26 : 20 Puning Temple

June 26 : 21 Puning Temple

June 26 : 22 Putuozongsheng Temple Summit

June 26 : 23 Putuozongsheng Temple Summit

June 26 : 24 Putuozongsheng Temple

June 26 : 25 Putuozongsheng Temple - Waiting for Busses

June 26 : 26 Band Meeting at Hotel

June 26 : 27 Band Festival Pass

June 26 : 28 Band Festival

June 26 : 29 Band Festival - CFHS Falcon Band

June 26 : 30 Band Festival - Chinese Band

June 26 : 31 Band Festival - CFHS Falcon Band

June 26 : 32 Student Exchange

June 26 : 33 Student Exchange

June 26 : 34 Driving (Chengde to Beijing)

June 26 : 35 Driving Hazards (Chengde to Beijing)

June 26 : 36 Driving Hazards (Chengde to Beijing)

Tucson - Departure

2008-06-22T15:01:00.014-07:00

Group 1 is on their way! The bus left for Phoenix this afternoon to catch a flight to Los Angeles. There, they will board a flight to Seoul, and then on to Beijing.

Group 2 will depart late tonight and bus up to Phoenix. Their quick flight to San Francisco will be followed by a long flight to Beijing where they will join up with Group 1.

Thanks to all who wished us well as we departed.

June 22 : 01 Loading Bus

June 22 : 02 Loading Bus

June 22 : 03 Loading Bus

June 22 : 04 Ready for Departure

Tucson - Final Rehearsal

2008-06-20T21:00:00.026-07:00

Final rehearsal day began very early today @ 6:30 with the band reviewing all numbers to be performed in China.

Finishing touches were added to the parade formations, the stationary numbers to be performed at the Great Wall, and the routines to be performed in the Forbidden City.

This evening, family and friends gathered to wish the band good luck and to hear them go through each of their numbers as they are to be performed in China.

June 20 : 01 Final Rehearsal

June 20 : 02 Final Rehearsal

June 20 : 03 Final Rehearsal

June 20 : 04 Final Rehearsal

June 20 : 05 Departure Performance

June 20 : 06 Departure Performance

Tucson - Posts

2008-06-16T07:37:00.006-07:00

Posts for this blog will be made as often as possible during the band's travel through China. Update access may not always be available, but attempts will be made to keep posts current with the itinerary.
Depature Date : June 22nd and 23rd
Return Date : July 2nd