Preparation for London - Maestro is on the move again!

And the preparation begins.

School is officially out until April 4.  The Easter Triduum begins this evening with the Holy Thursday Liturgy and continues for the next few days until Easter Sunday.  After 20+ years of doing music ministry, I can safely say that I am ready for the weekend.  People are telling me that I must be exhausted because it's a busy weekend.  Seriously?  It's all in a days work.  If Easter weekend is exhausting at this point, then I'm in the wrong business.  However, what makes it exhausting is the situation I've put myself in - which is I'm leaving for London on Monday afternoon.

London?  Yes - London.  Have I been?  Yes - for 5 hours in July of 2005.  That was a cluster.... you can read about it here.

Maestro in London - 2005

So, I think it's about time that I go back, huh?   However, with the bombing in Brussels the other day, I'm a bit hesitant.  But as my mom tells my niece, you can't stop the world.  So, we journey on.  

Why now?   Well, for the love of my Sunset Blvd - that's why now.  You can read about that here....

Matt's Sunset journey

It was announced last year that Glenn Close would be making her West End debut in a revival of Sunset Blvd. in a semi-staged performance with the English National Opera.  There was really no way I was going to miss this, and since it happened that performance's began during my Spring Break, it was a no-brainer.  I wasn't missing this for the world.

So, I'm leaving Monday and coming home on Sunday.  I have tickets for Sunset of course, and for Phantom of the Opera - which is another blog post all together.  I also have reservations for a hop on/hop off bus tour and a walking tour that includes English Afternoon Tea.  The rest we'll just have to see.

This is going to be a great trip... so stay tuned!

Geeking Out - Day #2

Today's blog is brought to you by BLOGGER the app.   And that's all I'm saying about that. 

We'll start with a picture of the Orlando Eye, only because I didn't take any pictures at the conference as I was too busy taking notes!

I had set 3 different alarms this morning to make sure I was at my 8:00am workshop this morning, but when the first alarm went off, I seriously did not know where I was and why I was there.  My brain actually hurt trying to figure that out.  That was a weird and concerning experience.   As was almost leaving my phone in the LYFT car this morning.  But I didn't, so we move on.

I was 10 minutes late for my workshop, but it really didn't matter.  It was called something like "App-Smashing" - using several apps to create one project.   I love the workshop experiences where you walk out ready to conquer the world with this new knowledge, and this was no different.  Lots of great ideas to digitally share and present students work.  This is where we are headed.  It's nice to know what the beginning tools are to get that started at home.

I took a coffee break and then wandered around the exhibits and had some great conversations with a lot of great people.  I picked up a lot of brochures and learned a lot of new things.  Some are really exciting.  So exciting that I really can't mention it here on the blog, just know that it's exciting.

The rest of the day, I attended 4 short sessions on some great subjects.  The first one was called "Social Media for the Classroom".  I was quite intrigued by the title, but was pleasantly surprised at the actual content.  While always keeping digital citizenship at the forefront, many social media sites have bad raps when it comes to kids, but by using Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and a few others correctly - as they were created to be - they can be great tools for the classroom.

Speaking of Twitter, I ran into the lady that I talked to last night about Twitter in the classroom and she presented me with the name of the person that runs the catholic ed chat on Twitter.  I was surprised she remembered me.  I took a picture of the info.  Later this evening, I ran into her again on International Drive along with Paul Shircliff, the guy that runs the catholic ed chat on Twitter.  Such a  small world.

Second small session was "Go-to Apps and Web Tools for Every Classroom, Every subject"  Wasn't too exciting, but I have a list of apps for the classroom to share.

After these, I took a Walgreen's break and picked up some things.  I'm having some issues with my right heel, etc - definitely planter fasciitis - and I was having issues with the arch, etc and haven't been taking ibruproffin to keep the swelling down, so I went and picked up some things for that at Walgreens.  They all helped.  

Stopped for some lunch and then if was off to Introduction to Coding for Elementary and Middle School Students.  It was mostly on Scratch, which I already have a working knowledge of.  So, it was not really a bust, but I would have liked to see something a bit less involved than Scratch and more involved than Scratch Jr, which we already play with at school.

Final session of the day... "Welcome to HAA:  Hopelessly Devoted to Apps" - Apps Anonymous.   Basically, 22 or so apps that your need on your ipad or device that will do everything you need - not 225 apps.   It was fun and a great finish of the day.

But the day wasn't really over.  Tonight was a Karaoke Event held at a karaoke bar on International Drive - which is like Las Vegas without the casinos - craziness, but fun.  I took a LYFT to the place and stayed a while.  It was kinda boring, no one was really any good and there was a contest also - which I wasn't aware of - cuz I would have entered  LOL.   I ended up leaving and walking down International Drive .  I stopped at Shake Shack for dinner, which was just kinda ok... I heard it was the best thing since sliced bread, but it wasn't that great, but still yummy.  I walked to my hotel and here I am.

Tomorrow, another 8:00am workshop - which means up early to pack and check out before I head to the convention center.  The day will end sometime in the afternoon and then it's off to Disney for a few days.  I promise the blog won't be as dry!!

Geeking Out Day #1

So. last night found me back on a red-eye flight to the east coast.  This time for work, although it will prove to be fun work.  I was on my way to the Fuure of Education Technology Conference in Orlando, Florida.  This was because of my new job at work, Technology Coordinator.  A job that I do take very seriously and has been something new and challenging for me this year.  Evidently, this is the 36 year of this conference here in Orlando.   Anyhow, the flights were good - the connection was quick, and I think I made it in my sleep.  When I got to Orlando, it was a whole new experience for me as I'm always flying into Orlando to go to Walt Disney World and when you do that, your bags are automatically transfered to your resort, etc.... so Mickey wasn't waiting for me this time.  I guess it was time to be an adult and get my bags and a taxi to my hotel.  I was kinda stressing over being in a new place that I didn't know (even though it was Orlando) but Mom gently reminded me that I travled all over Italy without knowing where I was and I didn't have a problem.  She was right, of course.

I got to my hotel, took a nap and a shower and I was ready to head to the convention center.  How was I going to get there?   I had a few options, but the first option is always to walk, which I did.  Sort of... I  realized after a few blocks, that the walk was not going to happen.  So, I hopped on the trolly for the rest of the way.   The driver was nice to tell me where I had to get off to get where I was going.  I got off and saw this

Well, it looks like we are sharing the space with a Surf Expo.  How exciting.

I grabed my name badge

and got some lunch and shared a table with a guy named Ivan who was the IT support for several schools in the Orlando area.  We talked about iPads vs. Chrome Books etc, we also talked about the schedule of the conference.  I was still having a little issue understanding the schedule and what were considered workshops and what were "drop-ins" etc.  I have a ticket for two workshops for the conference.  I figured out that you don't sign up for them, but just show up early and get in line and hope you'll get in.  So, with the app, I made my schedule and such I finally felt that I had a plan.

As I look around, I notice everyone had a device or two and that there were meetings on the floor around outlets.  It was kinda cool.  It was almost like the Religious Education Congress without priests, and liturgies.  I hung out and waited for the keynote address to begin.  It was a great talk given by the founder of Girls Who Code. 

The exhibit hall opened and it was neat to walk around and collext some ideas.

I chatted with a teacher about the use of Twitter in the classroom, which I was reticent about but now I get it.  I'll be sharing those thoughts with the faculty

It took me quite a while to get home because I kept getting on the wrong trolly.  When I finally got to my hotel, I decided to go to the Universal City Walk for dinner.  I did an d it was yummy and nice to at least lay eyes on Univerasal Studios in Orlando.  I'm going to need to go back.

Tomorrow is an early morning becasue my first workshop is at 8:ooam. 

Looking forward to a great day tomororw.

NYC Day #2 - Parades and Phantoms

Well, today didn't quite start out like I had planned.  Plans were to meet Ashley, Meena and Hannah at 6:00am near Lincoln Center to get a spot to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Well, I pretty much didn't hear my alarm this morning so I woke up at 7:20am, and paniced.  Of course I had a few text's and a phone message for Hannah, who was there pretty much on time.  I took a quick shower and grabed a LYFT and made it up to Lincoln Center and somehow, found Hannah and Ashley.   Meena turned out to not being able to join us.  We watched the parade from beginning to end.  I've never been so happy to see Santa in my life!!!  

After the parade, we caught up with Meena and her friends and had lunch at the Cosmic Cafe, and we talked and talked - and when we thought we were done talking, we talked some more!!   It was great seeing friends from home when you are away from home for Thanksgiving.

After we parted ways, I took the subway back to the hotel and took a nap and watched some TV.  

I took the subway back to Times Square and went to Roxie Diner for a quick dinner before Show #3.

I've seen "The Phantom of the Opera" 13 times.... but never in NYC, so this was like the first time all over again.   What a glorious show it still is.  The original production is in great shape, with a BIG orchestra and all the special effects.  After the show, I hung out at the stage door (once I found it) and waited for Jeremy Stolle, an actor I did a show with at BBBay a few years ago,  We caught up and then he had to run to get on a plane to California for Thanksgiving with his family.  I then waited for the conductor, Kristin Blodgette to come out, as I wanted to introduce myself in real life as we are Facebook friends.  That was a really cool to get to meet her and say hi.

I took the subway back to my hotel and here I am.

Just a few thoughts about Thanksgiving and the whole shopping thing.  I'm a little sad that Thanksgiving seems to be less and less important in the retail world.   All afternoon, I saw commercials about stores opening on Thursday at 6:00pm. and most of the stores in Time Square were open as well.  

I guess things are getting less and less sacred.

Tomorrow, meeting a few friends, and 2 more shows.

NYC Day #1 - The Ham and I

Hello!!!

Let's catch up.  The flight to NYC was quick, quiet, and uneventful.  I took a LYFT from the airport to the hotel... I don't reccomend that to anyone.  I think it's cheaper to take a cap.   I got early check in a the hotel (Grand Hyatt) and took a nap.  I got up and headed out.   I walked to the Broadway and walked around and oriented myself again, it's been 9 years since my last visit.  I got some lunch at the Cranberry Deli, recommended by a local, and was good, cheap and fast.

First show of the day was "Hamilton" at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.  The last time I was at the Richard Rodgers theatre was in 1999 to see "Footloose" and the outside of the theatre was green.  Lots of shows have been through those doors since then including "In The Heights" - the first musical by the creator of "Hamilton".   Upon first listning of "Hamilton", I was quite underwhelmed as it sounded way to much like "In the Heights" and I was having issues with the "old" story and the rap/hip hop music.  Modern lyrics coming out of these historic figures mouth.   Couldn't get passed that.  Until I saw it.

Everrything works.  The music, the lyrics, the staging, the costumes, everything.  That's not to say it's perfect.  Because it's not.  The music is still quite repetivtive, and I know, you can say the same for Sondheim and Lloyd Webber, but it was, and I guess it works. The lyrics are clever and sometimes brilliantly funny.  If you listen carefully, you can catch some other musical theatre references.  The costumes were a mix between period and modern that made it look like they were period.  I can understand why there is such a hype for this show as the storytelling is top notch and it's history told in a modern way and I guess people that don't normally like musical theatre music can "relate" to this style of music.

After "Hamilton" I headed over to TKTS and got a ticket for "The King and I". I went back to the hotel to drop off my "Hamillton" swag and then walked to Lincoln Center.  It tuned out to be quite a long walk.  I walked up 5th Ave, which may have been a mistake because there were a lot of people on Fifth Ave.

I made it to Lincoln Center and took my seat for "The King and I".   First of all, the show had a FULL orchestra using the original orchestrations.   No keyboards to be found - and they were amazing.  I finally got to see Kelli O'Hara in person, and she did not dissapoint.  In fact, it was a perfect production. The sets and costumes were top notch.  The cast was incredible.  I wish this current King was their oriignal king when the show opened because the chemistry between the King and Anna was perfect.

I walked home a diffeent way this time, hoping it was be quickier, but it wasn't. And so, here I am.

I must end this quickly as I have to be up at 5:00am to get to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route by 6:00am.  I'm hopong for a nap tomorrow.

Matt

I'm gonna be a part of it......

I finally got to the blogger - with not much time to write.

I'm here at Oakland Int Airport, waiting for my JetBlue flight to NYC.  A whirlwind trip of about 3 days and probably 5 shows and the Thanksgiving Day Parade.  I'm excited to get waway for a while before the Christmas season begins.

For those who will ask, I'm seeing "Hamilton" tomorrow afternoon, "Phantom of the Opera" on Thursday and "Fun Home" and "School of Rock" on Friday.  I have one slot open tomorrow night to see something else if I'm up to it.  I'd love to see Kelli O'Hara in "The King and I" but I worry that I may be too tired to stay awake.  At least I know my limits.

I hope to see a few friends and eat a few good meals, also.  So who knows what might happen!

More tomorrow!  It's nice to blog again.

The beginning of the end of Summer 2015

I started this blog about a year ago in order to document my trip to Europe and I was pretty successful in doing just that.  However, almost a year has gone by and there hasn't been an entry.  Thanks to the Facebook, I'm able to keep track of little trips or excursions I've done in the past year.  A trip to Chicago, a few trips to Disneyland - one with the entire family - and that's about it.  Far cry from 2 weeks in Europe.  I still dream about the passageways of Venice, the vastness of St Peter's and the laid back persona that is Amsterdam.  Not to mention the German production of "Starlight Express".  A new cast recording of that show was released late last year and documents the show in its current incarnation - and you know, even though it's in German, I remember everything.

So here we are, August 13, 2015. A year ago I was enjoying Venice, this year, I'm spending a few days at my get-a-way of choice, Disneyland.  This is my 3rd outing this summer enjoying what the 60th anniversary of the Happiest Place on Earth has to offer, and it still does not disappoint.   Earlier in June, I came down to Disneyland to spend a few days with Amy and her mom and boys and then spent 3 days with the kids from the Hillbarn Theatre Conservatory.  Both arms of that trip were exciting in themselves.  The Hillbarn kids did a few classes with Disney and got to play in the park for a few days.  During that trip, I saw my first "Paint the Night" parade - which is the new Disney evening spectacular.  Briefly reminiscent of my beloved Main Street Electrical Parade, Paint the Night immediately had my attention with its soundtrack and its amazing brilliantly lit floats - not to mention friends that are in this parade - it has become my new obsession.

Here is the link to the parade, if you wish to watch it.

I came down again with my pal Asa over the 4th of July Holiday.  We had a great time which included a great dinner at the Carthay Circle Theatre Restaurant.  It was a fun few days.

Between the trip with Asa and last Sunday (August 8) I opened 3 shows - "West Side Story", "Cinderella" and "Rent"  All were great and all had extremely talented casts.  It was my first time running mics for a show (Cinderella) and that was fun also.  I got to do "West Side Story" with my niece, which was fun!

So, here I am, again, in sunny Anaheim.   So, what's happening this weekend?  Funny you should ask.

For the first two trips this summer, I drove down to Anaheim.  This time, I decided to fly.  I think having those two trips so close together (2 weeks apart) and driving both times really encouraged me to fly.  Don't get me wrong, I love the drive to Anaheim, maybe a little too much, but two weeks like that was too much.  So, I booked a Southwest flight out of Oakland.

Oh, I moved to Union City in April this year... that's a whole other blog post.

Anyway, I decided to fly out of Oakland, so I booked a flight out of Oakland.  I figured since I lived near a BART station, I would BART to the the airport.  Then I thought I'd try a super shuttle, and that was WAY too much $$.  Then I thought I'd take the "Uber" or "Lyft" plunge as I've avoided using these services as I thought I'd feel weird getting into someones car.  So, in the end, I took BART to the airport and it was just perfect.  So perfect, that when I went through security, I ended up in the pre-checked line and basically walked through.  No questions asked!   The flight was easy.  When I got to Orange County, that's where the adventure started.  I decided to call for a "Lyft" - and I'll tell you.... it was the easiest thing in the world, and much cheaper than a taxi and more reliable.  I may be sold.  I'll be using them on the way back to the airport

I check into the Candy Cane Inn - my hotel of choice - and got settled, went to 7-11 for supplies and then did some work before I headed into the park for the evening.

Work.... well, that's another blog post soon, I promise.

I went into Disneyland and headed to the back of the park and found a place for Mickey's Soundsational Parade.  It's a great parade, full of energy and great music.  One of my favorite things at Disneyland  - especially if James and/or Clarissa are in it - which they weren't this time :-(.   After the parade, I went on It's a Small World and of course sent my usual bevy of text's to friends while on the ride.  I've been doing that for a quite a long time now.  People actually track me down and ask why they didn't get their text from It's a Small World if they know I am here.  Afterward, I got in the single rider line for Splash Mountain.  Single rider lines are sometimes longer than the real lines these days.  However, I got on pretty quickly.  I just love this attraction, it's always a lot of fun.

After Splash, I went and picked up some pins.... oh, the pins.  Maybe I should talk about the pins for a bit....

I've never been a huge Disney pin collector, but I have my share of pins and last summer, Veronika and Michelle helped me put them in order.  In doing that, I kinda became a pin collector.  However, I'm rather picky about the pins I buy.  Usually, they are things like Splash Mountain, Mickey Heads, Main Street Electrical Parade, Olaf, Resorts, etc.  So, when Disney came out with Paint the Night pins, it was very exciting.  However, in true Disney style, there was a catch.  There are 12 pins in the collection, and 6 are revealed and 6 are mystery.  So, one box has two pins in it, one you can see, one you can't.  And of course, I have 10 of the 12 and the two I don't have are mystery pins.  So, I took the chance and bought 2 more boxes - and in one of those boxes, I got one mystery I didn't have.   So, now I only need one more mystery pin (Belle, if you must know).  Today, I tried again and got no where.  I'm going to have quite the collection of Paint the Night pins to trade if I don't get Belle soon!!

Anyhow, after some pin shopping, I met Rosie for dinner at the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ - this dinner is 4 years in the making and we finally went.  It was all you can eat, and very yummy.  After dinner we walked around and watched the fireworks near It's Small World and then got in line for Peter Pan.

And that's it for today.

I'm out...