An overcast sky greeted us this morning, opening into a small thunderstorm as we all arrived at the church around 8:30 am. Luckily, we had enough space in the lobby to execute our well-oiled system of checking hanging bags, loading the bus and writing thank you notes.
On stage with the scenery at the MAC
From there we drove about 5 minutes to the MAC (Musical Arts Center) Indiana University’s enormous opera hall. We got a backstage tour, including a freight elevator, the scene shop, the costume shop and saw the scenery being lowered to the floor.
We learned how the opera sets are moved into place quickly by a track system in the stage floor and watched as they designed the backdrops for the next opera. The building is one of the largest opera theaters in the country.
Boys at the MAC
Following that, the choirs got to see a Fisk Organ (the same type that is going to be in St. Peters) being installed in another concert hall! One of the Fisk representatives explained the different stages of constructions, and also encouraged us to volunteer to help carry the 32 tons of wood and metal parts that will make up our new organ at St. Peter’s on delivery day in February!
Learning about and seeing the installation of the Fisk
Lunch was on the road at a Wendy’s, where we celebrated Coleman’s birthday with a cake and filling the restaurant with a beautiful “Happy Birthday.” Even sharing that little bit of their voices made the people in the restaurant smile.
From there, we rode for an hour to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The weather cleared up and heated up considerably. We got to take a ride around the 2.5 mile track – not in a racecar, sadly, but a van – learning about the history and transformation of the racetrack. Inside the kids enjoyed taking pictures with the really old cars and motorcycles.
MasterSingers at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame
At the Hall of Fame
Broadway UMC was a 15-minute drive from the speedway. Everyone’s mouths opened at the high ceilings and gray stone, very similar to a cathedral. Dinner was abundant, delicious and varied. They had enough food to feed us 3 times over! The concert went well and the audience was very appreciative. Even parishioners that couldn’t stay for the entire concert would duck their heads in and listen for a few moments. Tired but satisfied with their performance, the kids headed home with their host families, hopefully for a good night’s sleep!
In concert at Broadway UMC, Indianapolis
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What a busy day!! Glad things are going well. I can’t believe it’s on to Chicago today! Thanks for the pictures and stories – I can’t wait to hear more when you return!!