The Ireland Experience
Friday, March 20th
Today was a day of history and shopping. First, we went to Trinity College and visited a very old and very big library of acient books, one of which was the Book of Kells. This is a 1000 year old set of books of the four gospels. They were lavishly decorated and each capitalized letter was actually a small drawing of some scene or animal.
Then we had a lunch and shopping time in downtown Dublin. After that, we boarded the buses for a guided city tour of London and made stops at Christ Church Cathedral and St Patrick’s Cathedral which was magnificent.
The weather today was just perfect with lots of sunshine and highs around 70. To say the least, we have been very lucky with that all week.
We’re about to head off to dinner at Abbey Tavern for a traditional Irish dinner. We will take a train to Howth and take the buses back.
What an incredible day. There’s no other way to describe it and the joy of the day is hard to put into words, but I’ll try.
We started off with a trip to Dublin Castle to meet Meridith and Al Roker of the Today show. We performed in full dress for the opening show segment and Drum Major Hannah Douglas spoke briefly to Al before the segway into the weather. Keeping to a tight schedule, the kids dashed to the buses and we were escorted by four motorcycle policemen with sirens blaring and lights flashing. These guys were pros at escorting around Dublin which is known for it’s horrendous traffic.
They would take turns blocking off roads and crossings while we dashed through red lights and around stopped traffic (sometimes in the wrong lane). Everyone on the street thought we must be very important and they all looked and took pictures as we passed.
Then we lined up for the parade and had a chance to catch our breath while they queued up the hundreds of performers and bands. When our turn came and we came around the first corner, it was apparent this was no ordinary celebration. Hundreds of thousands lined the roads and all wore green with flags waving and painted faces smiling. They all cheered as we marched and played in the warm Irish sun.
It was truly a festive atmosphere and the setting of this historic city made it even more special. Marching past St. Patrick’s Cathedral was the absolute tops.
After the parade, we made our way to the Guinness Store House (a huge, six-story structure) to play in the performance space. Then it was free time to see the museum and shop at the gift store.
One the way back to the hotel, Aaron was informed that we were judged first place among the youth bands performing in the parade! A fitting end to an absolutely wonderful day.
Your kids had two performances and marched in one of the biggest parades in the world. They, along with the chaperones, are exhausted but it was well worth it and you should be oh so proud of them.
It’s 11 pm on Monday night and the kids are downstairs in a conference room in the Holiday Inn here in Dublin. They are still all dressed up in their formal evening wear after a great dinner and yet Mr. Wells has assembled them so that they can practice and go over the details of our Tuesday morning performance with the Today show on NBC. From what we understand, we will be opening up the show at 7 am Indiana time and there may be an interview or two. The kids are thrilled to say the least.
We had a wonderful dinner at the Tea Room in the Clarence Hotel, which is owned by Bono of U2 fame. The hotel is located in the heart of Dublin and we walked about 12 blocks back to the hotel and saw the night sights of the city that is aglow with lights and revelers.
We saw a quite a bit of countryside today and stopped at two more castles. These were bigger, and older then yesterday’s castles and they are very impressive. Some have stonewalls that are 10 feet thick. Kilkenny Castle (dating to the 12th century) was absolutely huge and had a great portrait hall, which was at least 200 feet long.
We are all still exhausted from the pace but enjoying every minute of it. Your kids have been amazingly well behaved and we are always early or on time for everything. And as I mentioned before, they’re downstairs with their instruments after a long day of taking it all in. You should be very proud of them.
Well, it’s off to bed for another early wake-before we spend our St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin performing for viewers all over the world. Can you imagine it! Wish us good luck!
EHS Band at Blarney Castle March 15th 2009
Sunday, March 15th
Has it been 3 days? It’s all just a blur, but we have had a great time with nary a bit O’trouble so far. We just came from our medieval banquet at Knappogue Castle, which was a real blast. Dining and entertainment by candlelight (and a few spotlights) was a real treat in this authentic castle built in 1467. King Ackerman and King Wells dressed in royal robs, along with two younger kings (Austin Wilson and Tanner Gragg), led us through a rousing feast and an almost certain dismemberment of Kyle Pace. He was saved only at the last second when he serenaded the crowd with a touching song.
We have been going at a whirlwind pace and packed a lot of sightseeing in just the last two days. Friday and Saturday where more like a Fri-urday because we did not sleep in a bed until Saturday night. We journeyed to the cliffs of Moher after arriving Saturday morning and saw some spectacular views of the southeastern coast of Ireland. Then we drove through the Burren region and witnessed miles of limestone-laced terrain some of which was reminiscent of southern Indiana.
Today we toured 3 castles (including the dinner) and really saw the difference between Europe and the Americas: Age and heritage. It is nothing for a building or even a house to be a hundreds of years old here, they’re everywhere. Back home, if something is fifty years old we think it is ancient.
We are all exhausted and heading off to bed at 10 pm for our 6 am wake-up call. Then it’s off to the Rock of Cashel where there are some buildings dating back to the 1100’s. We’ll see another castle and then arrive in Dublin about 1:30 pm Indiana time (5:30 pm our time).
Parents: We haven’t lost any kids so far and all are doing just grand and having a good time. We’ll try to post again in the next couple of days. Until then, Erin go Bragh (Ireland Forever) and we all miss you lots!
Written by Bernie Fry, father of Josh Fry
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To my band friends:
May I be the first to say – IRELAND IS TOMORROW! I want to take a moment to thank lots and lots and lots of folks. The 2008-09 season has been A-MAZ-ING!…and it all has come down to this fabulous trip. If not you, your kids will be creating memories to last a life time.
I, as president, really truely wish that the economic times these days were better. I wish too I could have fulfilled the goal [the OMG-over-the-top GOAL] of raising enough money for each and every student associated with the program – but it wasn’t in the cards. $450+ for 100 kids isn’t bad however – and many of you busted tail and raised more than half in other fundraisers. Likewise, I wish that our community (with the exception of those who made the contributions and donations and provided gifts….) could have supported the community of Ellettsville, the HS just a wee bit more – but…. we can’t fight what’s happening at this time in our lives. What I can say is THANK YOU on behalf of the band program to those who gave.
The officers of this group have worked tirelessly to support the program and many parents are just as dedicated – and they are to be thanked too.
I must thank the parents for their patients, for their hard work to bring a once-in-a-lifetime event to reality. 52% is a great representation of our kids.
As we leave tomorrow, send us your positive thoughts; put us on your prayer list; and know that we are thinking of our ‘band family’ who couldn’t come with us – we’ll be sure to see it twice, experience it twice – once of us and once for you. Watch the website for notes from the kids and hopefully a picture of two. We want to share this experience with you too.
May the sun be at your back…
Beannachtaí na Féile Páraic oraibh! (St. Patrick’s Day blessings opon you!)
–Mary Lou
Hey Mustangs! We hope you are all having a great time in Ireland – wish we were there too! Kudos to every student, parent, booster and supporter who helped make Mr. Wells’ idea happen for these hard working kids and staff (and parents and boosters…). You all deserve this fabulous trip.
Post, now, we all want news! Will Mr. Wells kiss the Blarney stone and get the gift of gab?
Have fun!
Wendy Meaden
Sunday, March 15 – I was just flipping through the itinerary to see where you all are today and what you’re doing. Tonight is the feast at a castle or something – anyway it looked like fun. How’s it going? Is the food good or is everyone secretly longing for McDonald’s? Is anyone sleeping? Will someone please find a wireless connection and put something up here just to appease the folks at home?
Tell The Kid I love her and EVERYBODY HAVE FUN!
Deb Hunter
It seems like everyone is just as anxious for some feed back as I am. I hope everyone is having a blast over there. Hope to hear something soon.. So pics would be great also.
Hey Beans! i’m sure y’all are having a blast. take tons of pics and enjoy every moment. <3 Anna
Good afternoon, all!
I’m a bit nervous because I’m not yet finding the St. Patrick’s day parade on the http://www.rte.ie/ schedule. I’ve found a second website that claims there will be a live webcast of the parade. I’m sending this url to all, just in case rte doesn’t carry the parade live. Here’s the url: http://www.liveireland.com/index.html
Have a great St. Patty’s day!
I contacted the webmaster of the st patricks day festival site a few weeks ago. They did say that rte would cover it. It prob wont show up until tuesday bc they broadcast live.
I am so glad everyone is enjoying Ireland! Good luck in the parade! Can’t wait to watch it on-line!!!! Thanks for the picture in front of the castle. Awesome!
Hi Band Folks:
Thank you to all the chaperones for taking care of our “dear” children and thank you for your patience! To the Kids-We are so proud of you and so excited for you. Have fun and remember this for the rest of your lives. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Tell Michaela that Jordan misses her terribly! Thank you Aaron for all you do.
Love to all
Maryann and Bill Williams
Bernie – thanks for the great update and picture! We are all very excited to hear about the Marching Mustangs’ adventures! A great big thanks to all the chaperones watching over our kiddos. Bryan, are you at 1000 pics yet?! Looking forward to seeing you all in the parade – Go Mustangs!!
Just heard from the Ireland travelers that there is a possibility that they may be on the Today show on Tuesday so set you recording devices. Apparently the group will be taped tomorrow morning and the clip may or may not be used on the Today show tomorrow. Hopefully we will get more details from someone in Ireland.
What a trip of a lifetime! You all deserve it with the hard work you’ve put in- students with practice, parents with fundraising, and staff/booster officers with planning! Many thanks to the chaperones for being there for our kids. It looks like we will be able to watch the parade online tomorrow – can’t wait! Thanks to Bernie for the picture and the report. We are also watching the Today show right now and the scenery looks absolutely beautiful! Take Care All! Miss you, Kory.
Paula Kleinow
Bernie,
It was great to read your blog. Would it be ok for us to publish it in The Ellettsville Journal this Wednesday? Also, could whoever took the photo of the kids at Blarney Castle email me the photo at scribe@bluemarble.net so we can run it as well.
Anyone who wants to contact me can reach me at that same address.
Thanks,
Steve Sturgeon
The Ellettsville Journal
Of course everything is subject to change, but I just heard that there is a possibility that our kids will open the Today show in the morning at 7:00 p.m. How exciting. I hope it really happens!
Oop. I was so excited I put 7 p.m. instead of a.m. The correct time for the Today show is 7 a.m.
That is so awesome…. I sure do hope that it doesnt change. What an honor for our little small town school.
Can someone who subscribes to the Hearld Times Online please post the story off of the website about the band.. You have to be a subscriber…. Thank you .
http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/stories/2009/03/16/news.qp-3636405.sto
The Band Boosters web site and the on-line Herald Times are confirming that our very own awesome Marching Mustangs will open the Today Show at 7 a.m.
I sure hope that everyone has this set to record. A once in a lifetime achievement for these kids and even the parents that are there also. Congrats to the kids, this is awesome. I think that I called every one in my addressbook on this one!!! LOL
You all looked GREAT on the Today show! We are so proud of our Marching Mustangs! Have a great time at the parade.
You all looked so good on the show. The uniforms looked so SHARP!
What an exciting day for all and we are so proud of you! I hope the people of this school district show how proud they are of the best of all of us-our children. They have made us proud by not only their accomplishments but of the fact they have grown into such mature citizens that have honored us by their presence. Have fun guys and gals and Top of the Morning to you.
I am so proud of you guys. Heck, I had tears in my eyes. You looked good on the TODAY SHOW. Everyone should be impressed. I know I am. The banner showed up great! You look so sharp! Kick it, have a great time – show them why we’re there!!! Love ya, Kid!
Just a heads up.. I am on the rte website and it says that the parade doesnt start until 1230 Ireland time…
So sitting here waiting on the parade to start and watching the today show. Thinking wouldn’t it be neat if the kids got to see the president. I know that he is in Ireland because his mother has Irish roots. Just a random thought?
Is someone recording the parade off of the website.? I cant get it to load on my computer
Hey Marching Mustangs…You got mentioned on Channel 13 this morning as well as in the Chicago Tribune and Orlando Sentinal Newspapers . Great recognition for the best bunch of kids we know. Was glad to see you all on the Today show, looked and sounded great. We are enjoying this blog….great idea to keep in touch. Hope all took a lot of pictures and videos, enjoy the rest of the awesome adventure. By the way…we hear “Hoosier Paddy (gnome)” is very photogenic, looking forward to seeing them all!!!! Love ya Erin.
I’ve been looking on YouTube and haven’t been able to find Edgewood. You all looked terrific on the Today show! Great job, Hannah – marching backwards, directing and being interviewed all at the same time! I’m so proud of all of you and only wish that last year’s seniors would have been able to make the trip too!
i have looked every where i can think of for some footage of them in the parade. i sure hope some one posts it soon…….lol
Congratulations Marching Mustangs!! We could not be more proud of you and we hope you are enjoying every minute of this once in a lifetime experience! What an exciting (and emotional!) moment it was watching you this morning on the Today show- you guys looked great! Thanks to all the chaperones and Mr. Wells! CORY: We love you and miss you! Enjoy your last day!
Love, Mom, Dad, Leslie, Cassandra, Papaw and Mamaw
WTIU newsbreak clip featuring video from the TODAY show
For those of you who might not have taped the Mustangs incredible experience on the Today show you can still view it. Go to the Today Show web site. Click on Watch the Show. You have to watch the commercial and then a list will come up on the left side. G to Previously and then click on the full first hour. It will bring up Tuesday’s show and you can see our wonderful Mustangs over and over by scrolling across the bottom. Thanks to everyone who made this amazing trip possible for the kids. Speedy, can’t wait for you to get home so I can hear all about your grand adventure.
Great Job guys! You looked and sounded great! Have a good time sight-seeing and a safe trip home. Class of 70 Alumni.
If someone happens to see this, I’d appreciate your carrying a note to Haley for me. Your StepMother called me this morning a little freaked out that you’d called her. Said you asked her about a tee shirt and she said yes and then basically hung up on you. SHE IS SORRY. She was asleep and as soon as she hung up the phone she became wide awake and realized who had called and that she had a ton of questions she’d have liked to ask you. I told her you were the forgiving type and not to sweat it too much.
Enjoy your last day of beautiful Ireland. I can’t wait to see the pictures and hear the stories. God speed and travel safe. Don’t forget to spend up the coins if you can. I love you.
‘Incredible day’ in Dublin for Marching Mustangs
H-T Report
March 18, 2009
Edgewood’s Marching Mustangs, behind a banner proclaiming their Ellettsville origin, marched through the gate of Dublin Castle to help kick off “The Today Show’s” St. Patrick’s Day coverage on NBC Tuesday morning.
The band earned the “best youth band” honors while performing in the Irish capital’s 2009 St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Further details of the day were supplied by Bernie Fry, father of band member Josh Fry, for a blog on the band’s Web site at http://ehsboosters.wordpress.com/live-blog-from-ireland/.
Excerpts from the blog’s Tuesday entry follow:
“What an incredible day. There’s no other way to describe it and the joy of the day is hard to put into words, but I’ll try.
“We started off with a trip to Dublin Castle to meet Meredith (Vieira) and Al Roker of ‘The Today Show.’ We performed in full dress for the opening show segment and drum major Hannah Douglas spoke briefly to Al before the segue into the weather.
“Keeping to a tight schedule, the kids dashed to the buses and we were escorted by four motorcycle policemen with sirens blaring and lights flashing. These guys were pros at escorting around Dublin, which is known for its horrendous traffic….
“Then we lined up for the parade and had a chance to catch our breath while they queued up the hundreds of performers and bands. When our turn came and we came around the first corner, it was apparent this was no ordinary celebration. Hundreds of thousands lined the roads and all wore green with flags waving and painted faces smiling. They all cheered as we marched and played in the warm Irish sun.
“It was truly a festive atmosphere and the setting of this historic city made it even more special. Marching past St. Patrick’s Cathedral was the absolute tops.
“After the parade, we made our way to the Guinness Store House (a huge, six-story structure) to play in the performance space….
“On the way back to the hotel, Aaron (Wells, Edgewood’s band director) was informed that we were judged first place among the youth bands performing in the parade! A fitting end to an absolutely wonderful day.”
The 103-person Edgewood contingent, including 70 band members, ate dinner Monday evening in the Tea Room of Dublin’s Clarence Hotel, owned by U2’s Bono. That and other details are available at Fry’s blog. The travelers are due home Thursday.
I finally found a clip of our band on you tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QztR822K5v4
We start at about the 3:43 mark. Sound is good and everyone looks
great!
Hey, Drum Major and Band! You are Famous in Bloomington. The Herald Times had great coverage. Even people at the checkout at Marsh were excitedly talking about how proud we are of the Marching Mustangs!
I am Jenna Robertson’s grandmother aneI just wanted to say how proud I am of all these kids and to say “Thank you to all the people who made this once in a lifetime experience possible for them.
Thank tou all
Another clip on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcvFrxNfShc
Starts at 11:28 mark
For those of you who missed the Today Show and the Irish TV webcast, here they are. The footage from the parade isn’t the best quality as the webcast was shown at a very low resolution.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8vtJwdrMDA
Great job mustangs….”wish we were there”!