July 14, 1998

Caption: Jessica Wilbert and Lizzie Devereaux in the rehearsal room before the Matinee of Winners.

Wow! Our kids did great at the competition. Late last night the group was invited to perform at the Matinee of Winners scheduled for this morning. We were asked to perform Copland's "Hoedown" or "Holddown," as our tour guide kept saying. After a singing rehearsal in the hotel's breakfast room, we returned to the Vienna Center for a 3 1/2-minute performance. We were also delighted to hear several other groups, including the Melbourne String Orchestra and a symphony orchestra from Spain. They were phenomenal. When the final winners were announced we were thrilled to come in second place in the strings division. The Melbourne group ended up tying for the grand prize, so we were inspired and honored to come in right behind them. I think everyone was pleased--I was proud of the kid's reactions.

After some free time for shopping and a late lunch, we headed to the Wiener Rathauskeller, which is located in the basement of City Hall. There were incredible vaulted ceilings with unusual murals in the Rittersaal (means Knights' Hall!). We ate with the other US group which is from Minnesota, who came in first in the mixed choir division. All the groups, it seemed, were honor or all-regional groups, sort of like magnet schools, or college groups. Our tour guide seemed to think we had performed well. The other group that tied for grand champion was a band from Japan. It was exciting to see such international diversity and unity.

By the way, you don't even want to know about some of the rides the kids braved at Prater Park. Suffice it to say, I nearly had a heart attack and am proud to say everyone is still living.

The "party" for all the festival participants was held after dinner at the Rathaus in a beautiful ballroom. There was a DJ and special effects. Almost all the students from the other schools are drinking and smoking. it's different for us to see so much alcohol served at these student-centered activities. Our students really haven't complained about not being able to partake, however. We just keep ordering cokes (approximately $3.00) or Spezi (coke with lemonade). They detest the mineral water (water with gas, as our tour guides call it), since they are so used to spring water. Water is often $3.00 as well. Yesterday the kids found the local Pizza Hut and were excited to find ice in their glasses. The things we take for granted... No washcloths at the hotels either.

Tomorrow it's on to Prague. We're trying to use up all our Austrian coins today, as they cannot be changed. Tomorrow I'll write from a new country...

We're looking forward to crystal shopping.

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