Day 8 and 9 Belfast and back to Dublin

Day 8 and 9  Belfast and back to Dublin


After another ghostless night at the castle, we were on the road again. We travelled to Belfast, and more specifically Holywood, Bill's hometown.  It was special to see where Bill grew up, we even saw his family home!  We were lucky to meet two of his cousins.  He had a trip down memory lane while we were there.  Did you know he even delivered prescriptions for the local chemist, on his bike?  Holywood is also the hometown of Rory McIlroy, for you golf fans.  The town is very proud of that!  Our hotel overlooked Belfast Lough, the passage of the Titanic.  You could just picture the Titanic sailing by.

On Friday, we were back to Dublin for our final day.  A very busy and beautiful city.  We had a great day to do some last minute shopping. Our hotel was right along the parade route, so we took some pics of that and tried to imagine the band marching down the street and over the river.  The buildings that line the street are very tall, and the band will sound amazing!  Mary Anne and Janice went on a Viking tour to see the city's highlights.  The viking tour is an amphibious vehicle...driven by yes - a viking!  He talked to us all about the city's rich history, and pointed out highlights along the way.  We wore viking hats too and on his command, roared like vikings, at passersby.  The vehicle took us into the bay (we wore lifejackets), and there we saw the recording studio for U2!  We finished up our shopping and headed back to have our final Irish dinner...so sad to be saying good bye to Ireland.

Our pretour was a great success!  It will be so great for the band to do the Ireland Tour!  The country is filled with history, beautiful scenery and music.  It will be a memorable trip for all who endeavor.

Day 7 - Oldcastle and Causey Farm

Day 7 - Oldcastle - Causey Farm

We slept like logs at the haunted castle...if ghosts were there, we didn't hear them!
We were up and off early for some horse back riding, then a visit to Causey Farm.

We took a little drive around the country side, to pass some time before our appointment with the horses.
We were enjoying the scenery of Irish farm lands and hedges and trees so close to the road they form an arch.  All of a sudden we hit a VERY large pothole......quickly followed by a VERY flat tire!  This immediately required teamwork, as we were in the middle of nowhere, to get the tire changed and get us back on the road.  A pit crew we were not, however we worked quickly together and got the tire changed in no time!  Bill O'dredi had us over to the farm...lickety split!

We each had a horse to ride.  After suiting up in proper riding shotes and helmuts, we mounted our horses.  MaryAnne had Trigger, Rob had Charlie and I was riding Max.  These were very tame and gentle horses, with a guide, we walked down a path through the farm.  Rob's horse was very hungry and stopped frequently to eat ferns and tree leaves.  We even had a few trotting times!  Our guide, Julia brought us safely back to the barn and we were off to Causey Farm.

Band members will visit Causey Farm in March to spend time being Irish for a day.  This place is a real working farm that offers programs for teens.  Matt is the farmer that runs the programs, and he immediately invited us for tea and scones, so we could chat about what we would do when we visit.  There are so many fun things that you will do here!  Baking traditional soda bread, that you'll enjoy once its baked sounded grand. They have a whole shed full of hurling sticks and equipment, this is a popular game here in Ireland, so a match may be possible. Matt has a Border Collie named Patches, who was super happy to go to work and demonstrate his skills hearding the sheep.  A quick shout from Matt and he moved them left or right or stopped. Matt took us to a barn where you will learn about the bodhran drum and dance to traditional Irish tunes.  From how he explained it, you should all catch on pretty quick, moving in organized formations...sound familiar?  There are many farm animals there, sheep, cows (you'll learn how to milk), chickens, ponies.  In March, there will be a very good chance that some of them may be having babies, so Matt was hopeful that some of you would be there during that time.
Then we headed out to the bog....you should all google Bog-Jumping...now this is some outdoor Irish fun!  Bogs cover 60% of Ireland, so people here know a lot about them and you will find out lots of interesting facts, including learning about turf-cutting.  Brave band members can even race through the bogs!
We were feeling very excited about the day we will spend there, as we said our good-byes to Matt. It will be a great, memorable day for everyone for sure!

We were then headed back to our haunted castle for one last night.......oooooo

Day 5 -Athlone to Old Castle

Day 5 –

So, today was the slowest day so far for us on this trip as the list of items we had to accomplish was fairly small.  After waking up and having a “full Irish” breakfast we loaded the car and David drove us back to Dublin.  Along the way home we stopped in at David’s office to have a quick coffee and talk some business.

David then drove us to the Airport to pick up a rental car for us to use.  After we switched all our baggage to the rental we thanked David for all he did for us and said good-bye.  Now for most, it would be in the car and drive away, BUT, not for us because not only were we in a car that was right-hand drive but also going on to streets that you drive on the opposite of what we are used too.  Lucky for us we have Bill who was experienced to all this…except he has not been here for over ten years!  Needless to say Mary Anne, Janice and myself had our eyes WIDE open making sure what side of the road Bill went on at every turn and round about.

Like riding a bike, Bill had no problem getting back into the swing of things.  We got on the highway and headed towards Trim Castle. After several wrong turns, none of which were Bill’s fault (or that he would admit to) We arrived at the castle which was built in the 12^th century.  Although we are in Ireland this castle was also featured in the movie Braveheart.  It was very interesting to hear about the history of the castle and its location but to go inside and see the various levels was really something.  One of the interesting pieces they pointed out was graffiti from 1702!

We left the castle and made our way to Ross Castle located on county Meath.  This castle has only 5 bedrooms and is said to be haunted!  Haunted or not staying in a castle will be very exciting!   We arrived and met the owners and had a wonderful home cooked Irish meal.

Staying in a castle is very different from the 3 and 4 star hotels we have been so accustomed too.  It was “lightly” heated so after dinner we sat by the fire place and did some reviewing of the pre-tour so far.  Soon enough it was time for bed and Bill and I went to our main floor room while the ladies had to ascend the tower to their room (which by the way is said to be the most haunted room in the castle – but Bill and I did not tell them that!)  We have to admit that there were some strange sounds at night but nothing that made Mary Anne and Janice scream and coming running down the spiral staircase!  Oh well, maybe tomorrow!

Day 4 Killarney, Limerick and Athlone

Day 4 takes us through a very busy day from Killarney to Limerick to Athlone.

Once we finished our breakfast we were off to take a jaunty ride (or horse and cart ) through the National Park in Killarney. John our driver and Thomas the horse took us through the gorgeous views of the 24,000 acre park where we saw mountains, beautiful landscape and Ross Castle which is also on the grounds 

Our next stop was a visit with the people at the bus company.  The busses are very similar
 to our busses back home and we will be riding in style come next march. Everything is opposite on the bus.  Driver on right at the bottom, Rob on the left.....for those of you on Bus 1!

Back in the car and we were headed to Limerick to meet with the Deputy Mayor and parade committee.  We were greeted with a small recpetion of tea and scones and a a committee that just couldn't be more gracious and excited for us to attend next year. Once our meeting ended we walked to the parade route to see what awaits us next March. 

Our next stop was Athlone and the Sheraton Hotel where we will be staying at the end of our tour. A very modern hotel with all the amenties... this hotel is sure to be a favouite.  We settled in and headed for dinner, but our day was not done... one more meeting.  Our host David took us to meet the local directors of the Ravens Drum Corp who the band will be marching with in the Athlone parade as well as performing with us.  The parade will end a a little place called Seans Bar which is housed in a building the dates back to 900 A.D.  We happened to meet one of the Bass Drummers Shannon.  She was beside herself with excitement that we will be joining her band in a joint performance and that our drumline is bigger than her entire band.

I can't begin to tell you how excited everyone here is for the band to come to Ireland.  Everyday is a new experience full of culture, beautiful scenery no matter what the weather and welcoming hosts.

Day 3 - Killarney

After a hearty Full Irish breakfast it was time to leave Cork and head off to Killarney. David, our local expert decided that we had a little bit of time to get there so took the scenic route through an area called the Black Valley. This area is so-named because it was the last area in all of Ireland to get electricity. This happened as recently ago as the 70's (1970's that is). It was certainly scenic as we wound our way up the mountain and down through the valley on roads that even the local mountain sheep avoided! These roads are really narrow and when you meet another car coming towards you - One of you has to back up and move into the ditch so that the other can scrape by. This long and winding road in what is a real seculuded area of Ireland was broken up with a quick stop at a lovely look-out spot called "Ladies View". So naturally we let the ladies out, mainly to recover from the constant 90 mile per hour hairpin bends and rest a moment before leaving the Black Valley.

Upon arriving in Killarney we checked out the Scott's Hotel and discovered that it is right downtown Killarney. A one minute walk from the hotel will see band members enjoying the shopping of Rural Ireland as well as a more modern plaza. Bill actually went shopping as he had a mishap with one his shoes and ended up at the outlet stores to purchase a new set (picked out and approved by MaryAnne and Janice).  Then it was back to business and a meeting with the owner of the coach company (Tommy Manning) as well as a guide (Michael) who will be with us throughout the entire trip and the Co-ordinator of the Killarney events (Connor). We did a walk-through of the parade route and where we will stop to perform a stand still for the Mayor and Council of Killarney. We all enjoyed the culture in Killarney and the fun that awaits the band. Everyone we have met so far are looking forward to the bands arrival.

Day 2 - Cobh

Hello Everyone,

We travelled to Cobh (pronounced Cove) today and the scenery along the way was very beautiful.  There was green farmland, sheep and cows.  The hills looked like patchwork.  We had fun trying to snap photos while the car was running...there was no stopping for pictures!
Rob is even travelling in the back seat!!

Cobh is a small village on the shore of the Irish Sea. There are lots of hills and houses.  Little old fashioned shops line the streets.  They are very close to the road, just the sidewalk length away.  They are very colourful, with all sorts of different colours on the doors and windows.

The band will parade through the town. There is a steep hill on the parade route.  They told us that last years band had trouble getting up the hill, but Rob says will no problem for our band members!...we may need to find a hill to practice! Not sure how the chaps will do haha!

The band members will meet the mayor and do a performance right at the seashore.  A gorgeous backdrop!

The village is rich in Titanic history, 123 of its passengers boarded the ship there.  44 survived.  Even the original pier that they waited on is still there and has been preserved in its original state. The building where passengers bought there tickets still sits at the shore.

The band members will love exploring through the town, and there are lots of nice shops too!

I loved thinking about how great all of you band members will look parading through this colourful village!
We moved on to another hotel tonight in Cork (Rochestown Park) and had a quiet evening, after our busy day.  We will be back on the road tomorrow morning, travelling to Killarney, can't wait to see all that is waiting for us tomorrow!

Mrs K

Arrived in Ireland!

After a 6 hour overnight flight we arrive in Dublin at 9:30 AM and were met by our Irish tour agent.  We loaded the car and had to get used to the driver being on the right hand side we left to view the St. Patrick"s Day parade.  Seeing the parade route jammed with traffic and trying to visualise empty with and estimated 500,000 parade watchers on the side is always mind bending!  The parade is approximately 2.5 KM long (1.5 hours in length due to the speed of the parade)

Following viewing the route we meet with a very enthusiastic St. Patrick's Day committee representative we were given more the many details behind the parade that many people never know about.  We spoke of timing, marshaling area, TV, grand stand and judging areas.  (this parade has multiple judging areas!)  There is no doubt this parade is going to be extremely exciting and the the Irish love this parade!  In addition, we spoke of a possible "unique" performance opportunity the day before the parade - more to come at the September 30th meeting.

Following this meeting we drove around some more in Dublin checking out the local area.  We then made our way to the of Celbridge which is a small town outside Dublin.  This parade will take place in the afternoon after the Dublin parade.  This will be a unique event as the band will start by playing for young patient of the local hospital who can not leave their rooms due to mobility issues.  We reviewed the route through the town and again this will be a unique parade due to how the parade will operate. 

After the two meeting, reviewing two parade routes and a quick local car tour we arrived at the hotel.  We all grabbed a quick nap before dinner and then visited the local groery store right beside the hotel.  Following a recap of the day and reviewing our note it was off to bed...needless to say sleep came very quickly!!

Saturday we are up at 6:30 AM!! Off to County Cork!

Ireland - Pre-Tour

This evening Mary Anne, Janice, Bill and myself depart for Ireland to be in the pre-tour for the 2013 St. Patrick's Day trip. The overnight flight is six hours long which will have is arriving in Dublin at approximately 10 in the morning.  We will be met by our Irish tourist agent, David, who will immediately whisk us off to review the parade route in Dublin and meet with the St. Patrick's Day Festival committee.

On this pre-tour we have many things to check out and reviewwhich include all the hotels the band would be staying in, all the performance venues, the bus company, the sightseeing stops and special activities we have planned.  In the first four days alone we will be checking out four hotels and five performance venues Which pretty much means we will circumnavigating the entire country in the first four days alone!  Following the world wind excursionthe following days will allow us to check out some sightseeing venues as well as extracurricular activities for the members.

Our goal during this pre-tour is to blog nightly on the days events and give some information of what we have seen ( maybe even the odd picture) of course everything will be covered in greater detail at the Sunday, September 30 meeting at 1:30 PM.

In the meantime, if you have any questions you would like us to find out what we're there just leave a comment on the blog page and will do our best to get you the answers.

I personally am very excited for the BTTB to be returning to Ireland after 24 years.  I know that the band will leave a lasting impression just as we did so many years ago! As always it means that we must prepare well in advance with their music and marching practices as well as members practicing at home on their own.  As mentioned numerous times before we will be performing and competing against bands from the United States across Europe and Ireland and this is our chance to show all of them what Canada's best band can do! 

I strongly believe this will be a very memorable tour for all band members and supporters and I look forward when in approximately 6 months the Burlington Teen Tour Bandwill touch down in Ireland!

Tour recap - by Bill Hughes

10.30pm July 1^st - The smell of fireworks still suspended in the air as the Band prepared to load buses at the Music Centre ready to depart to Tennessee. Did we remember everything? Sleeping bag on the truck and a carry-on bag and pillow for the bus. Last minute checks by Chaperones that all have their passports  (still not sure who checks Rob) and then, after Rob’s final talk it is “Load the buses”!

As midnight strikes and Canada Day is over we leave Burlington and head for the border. Things all going smoothly until the American side where we sit waiting on the buses for 1 ½ hours while a Greyhound bus with all it’s passengers and their luggage clear the U.S. Customs. Once we pull up it is fairly easy as with all three buses together (and because we were a Charter) we only have to come off the bus with our passport and walk through.  Once back on the buses it is quiet time until driver change-over in Washington PA. We arrive in Washington PA with two buses intact and Bus three without air conditioning. So off we go to a Coach USA yard where we spend some time while a mechanic fixes the problem. With fresh drivers we continue the journey to Gatlinburg and our home for the next few days.

As we are getting nearer to Gatlinburg we get a call from the truck (whom we had sent ahead while bus three got the AC repaired) to tell us that they too had suffered some mechanical problems and had broken down just a few miles from our destination. The Cab was towed to a garage for repairs and the trailer towed to the Community Centre we were staying at. The evening of July 2^nd, after approx 16 hours we settled into the gym (and yes – without AC) where one could stretch out and not try to sleep in the fetal position.

July 3^rd came bright, early, and warm. It was a relaxed day for the members and in the afternoon we did an instrument and uniform inspection where we could make any needed repairs and get ready for the midnight parade. The truck had a new fuel pump and it was now back with us and ready to accompany us to the parade. We assembled for the parade and once the parade started it really moved. We stepped off and the band both looked and sounded amazing for the entire parade route. Once again the crowds were very appreciative and it was a new experience for us all as we paraded at 12 midnight and completed the first  July 4^th parade in the country.

After the parade it was back to the Gym and some sleep before getting up and make ready to move venue. Our new sleeping location was  a school right in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg. So off we went and settled in once more (this time in an air conditioned Gym). After a couple of hours free time (during which the band members practiced – sorry – gained local knowledge of their location) it was concert time. We did a one hour concert performance 7pm – 8pm and the band just could not stop getting better and better on every performance. After an outstanding show we packed up and had a little free time before the fireworks display. Hard to believe it was still July 4^th… it seemed to have been two days since we did the parade but it was only 22 hours ago!

July 5^th – A leisurely morning and then off to Townsend and the Heritage Centre in the Great Smoky Mountains. They had an amphi-theatre and what a setting. We set-up and did a rehearsal – WOW!! Amazing sounds coming from the band and everyone just giving their all. The rehearsal was warm and humid but that soon changed as a severe thunderstorm appeared from nowhere and with the intense rain and wind it seemed more like a monsoon than a storm. The stage was cleared (and power washed) and chairs that had been left for the evenings concert were soaked and scattered. In spite of the severe weather people still arrived ready to see the World renowned Burlington Teen Tour Band. Although the concert we had rehearsed could not happen we could still perform and the audience who had braved the elements were treated to a stand-still performance. Once again the band just rose to the occasion and showed just why they are the best!

One more night in the gym and then July 6^th it was pack, clean, load and depart for home. I have to say that a Gym Tour is when everyone bonds together and no matter what happens (AC breaks, Severe Thunderstorm etc…) we all get to know and respect everyone else. A band is not a group of individuals but a TEAM!

Thanks TEAM – You ARE The GREATEST! 

July 6th - By Katelyn Leece

It was another early wake up on our last day of tour so we could complete our unfinished shopping!  Some of us woke up even earlier to go on a hike around the beautiful landscape of Gatlinburg, but that was just a little too early for me.  So instead, my quad and I got up and went to eat breakfast at the Pancake Pantry where they had "the best pancakes in America" .  They weren't lying when they said that.  Those pancakes were truly the best I have ever had (sorry mom!) and I ate them so fast that my friends called me a Hoover vacuum! As much as I could've sat there all day eating pancakes, we left to go shopping down the main strip of downtown to spend the rest of our money.

When we went to the gym for the first check-in, we were welcomed back by all our teddy bears from jake peppers sitting on the bleachers in band formation... I wonder how they got there *cough* Chris and Steve *cough*. After the first check-in, I met up with some other friends and we made our way to a local crafts store where there were many different handmade crafts that were made all across the states.  Wood carvings, blown glass, knotted bracelets and woven blankets were just some of the many crafts.  Some of the artists were there and shared some of their trade with us and told us how they make their items! It was really cool! For my dad, I ended up buying a little wooden carved feather for my dad.

When dinner time rolled around, a bunch of us got dressed up in our best dresses and went to a sit down restaurant to make the last night of tour special. The restaurant was the opposite of nice though, we're they treat you like dirt, throw your straws at you and give you cheap paper hats with insults written of them, no wonder they call it Dick's Last Resort! A few of us that went to Myrtle Beach had been to one before, so we knew what to expect.

The cleanup of the pi beta phi elementary school went by smoothly and quickly without a hitch. As I went along with a garbage bag asking others they had anything to throw away, some newer members helped me out too which made me very impressed!! I finished up by sweeping the gym and took a seat on the bleachers beside Robbie Birse for our end of the tour meeting. The end of the meeting was topped off with our band cheer and when that finished, I looked over at Robbie and told him that that would be the last time he'd ever yell that cheer. I could swear I saw a bit of a tear in his eye but he would never admit it.

It was finally time to get on the buses and head for home. Most fell asleep instantly, but I stayed awake and talked with a few others. Slowly the air vents by the window started heating up and all I could say was "oh no". It was happening again... The air conditioning was breaking down again! What a time for it to breakdown because we were still more than five hours away from our first stop. We sat in the heat for a few hours until we made a stop at a gas station where rob bought all of bus three cold drinks. THANKS ROB!! We hopped back on the bus, slept on the hot bus for a little while until we reached the bus driver switching spot to get a new bus and eat a bit of breakfast. We hadn't even gotten out of the parking lot when another bus accident happened. We were pulling out and BANG, bus two had backed up into bus three and we had to stop again! There truly is nothing duct tape can't fix... That's what they used to keep it together for the last leg of the drive home. There were no complaints the rest of the way! At least from me and Heather Reynolds when they turned on Never Say Never the Justin Bieber movie.

"Who are we? BUS 3! What do we want

Blog posted

Band tour blogs have been loaded onto the site with a few more still to come!  Unfortunately we could not get a consistent connection at our accommodation and our apologies for that, however, they are now posted. 

To view the many wonderful pictures click the link below:

https://profiles.google.com/teentourphotos/photos

Don’t forget a couple more blogs to come so check back over the next couple days and more pictures of the tour will be posted soon!

July 5th - By Brenda Kerr and Vaessa Green

BTTB Blog

                Good morning! Breakfast on our own, whoop. 110+ people all cravin’ pancakes from Pancake Cabin. Before the check in an opportunity arouse. One like none other, swimming. Chris and Chris were guarding lives; life guarding at the pool. The pool was located at the motel which we were  allowed to swim at due to the wonderful kindness of the owner. Whom was obviously appreciatin’ the bands awesomeness. After the check in, Teen Tour be loadin’ on those busses like nobodys business. We then arrived at Smoky Mountain Heritage Centre. Upon arrival a quick unload for the loading crew one which was yes….extremely hot/sweaty.  WalMart provided the lunch which was happily consumed by all the band kids, chaps, and staff. It was delicious. After lunch, at the Heritage Centre the BTTB had a great concert practice.  The Great Jake Peppers was in attendance and for those who don’t know he is the reason the band went to Hawaii last year! We all appreciate Jake Peppers, and he enjoyed the band. The wind, rain, clouds, and tornado like weather promptly picked up. Concert folders flying, band kids squealing, and wind howling the situation was quickly brought to order. Civilians and band kids were rescued and brought inside to dry off… not even. As weather passed… kinda. The concert changed to an impromptu stand-up performance. The band said goodbye to dear friends; Kyle (Karl) Reynolds, Brett Dickenson, Robby Birse, Sebastian Johnston- Lindsay. We proceeded to play music ( which changed order) and do our best ( which we were told we succeeded at) and had some fun! The loading crew had to load up in the rain, colour guard rolled flags, and instruments were put away. The three BTTB busses and singular truck rolled out. Arriving on location the band members were given permission to stay up a little later and chill out with our homies. Bus cheers were had and late snacks were enjoyed.

Night all!!
 Brendan J&Vanessa J

July 4th - Part 2 - by Brenna McKim

Wednesday July 4^th 2012 (Brenna M^cKim)

            What a tremendous day this has been! This is my very first tour and I have to say that this is a great start. I marched in my very first midnight parade with the band. It was a very fast parade, but at least 100,000 people watched! Then a fantastic 6 hour sleep from 3am-9am! The odd thing about sleeping at 3AM is that when you wake up, you forget that it’s the same day. Well, at least that’s what I thought. After breakfast we had to pack up and move to a school called “Pi Beta Phi” at noon. It was funny to see everybody struggle with deflating their air mattresses. All I had to do was take out the plug and fold it up. when we got to the new location we had 3 and a half hours to get lunch and explore downtown. My group and I found a place that served fried Oreos…..Now that isn’t something you see or hear of everyday. At 3:30 the whole band had a concert practice and the colour guard came up with a new routine for the song “Rocky Top” it was so good! We had free time again after practice but I decided to stay back and read. When everyone came back we all got dressed and walked to “Ripley’s Aquarium” for the concert. It was a great show and the crowd enjoyed the colour guard and drum feature. We all enjoyed Bill’s dancing with a crowd member too!!! When we came back we could go out and enjoy the festivities and fireworks. I decided to stay back to read (again) and take a shower (the first person, but had a unexpected visitor in the shower. A big, fat cricket that scared the daylights out of me! But Mrs. Delahunt took care of it!). But everybody said that it was really nice and the fireworks were really big and bright, it sounded like a humongous thunderstorm inside the gym. Today was such a great and memorable day. I can’t wait for tomorrow and what it will bring to my first tour experience. But one thing for sure is that this is a great way to start becoming a family member with this great band!

July 4th - by Sebatian Lindsay-Johnson

It’s been less than 24 hours since my last parade with the Burlington Teen Tour Band.  The feeling is, shall we say, interesting, confusing and all around strange.  It’s the Salvador Dali of feelings with Pollock-esqe splinters of random shifts in energy.

It was a steamy day in the rolling green hills of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  The city emerges from the great hills so suddenly its very essence seems  foreign,  it’s a tourist’s buffet filled with every conceivable form of dependable entertainment known to our kind.  It’s a great deal like our own Niagara Falls; only here the mountains rule over all.

When night fell, the infinite beaming lights shone like a great fluorescent scare through the mountains. As we loaded the busses to head down the short road to the Downtown, the fact soon began to emerge that this was the last time I would be preparing for a parade, no more of the hurry up and wait mentality, well that is not until I arrived home. Perhaps this is the reason why there are these strange feelings in my head; nothing as of yet has been final.

The sun, as it set that night, set not only upon the city.  It set, quite literally upon my time marching parades with this band, this organization that has been the single most long lasting and impressionable institution upon my admittedly young existence.  ‘How could this not be strange’ I find myself asking myself now, often out loud, startling those around me. 

We began and ended the smooth midnight parade with Strike up the Band, a good omen I should think, setting in motion the beginning of a whole new parade order of my life, I have to believe in this metaphor, weak as it may be.  It’s become a thought process, ‘memorize the order or die by the hands of Bennett!’ the section leaders would yell. Migod!

 Well there is no order to memorize now, now it’s all on me, a crazy and scary thought.  I am however, comforted by the notion that: You can quit the band any time you want my friends, but you can never really leave. Quite literally the Hotel California of Canadian marching bands, and I don’t find anything strange in that.                   

July 3 - By Rachel Logan

July 3^rd

By Rachel Logan (Saxophones)

Today was an amazing day, we woke up at 8 am and had breakfast provided by the Boosters. We took the Trolley into Downtown Gatlinburg and visited and explored the shops and restaurants. We went in our quads to have lunch and enjoy some more free time.  It was a great start to the day!  At two we met back at the community centre for a quick inspection of our gloves, shoes, socks and instruments. Following that some of us went swimming while others relaxed and had some more free time.  Later we had dinner and started getting ready for the midnight parade. The parade wasn’t nearly as hot as we expected and flew by.  It was great to see all the fans cheering us on and getting so excited for the 4^th of July! We got back to the community centre around 3am and had a slice of pizza and went to sleep.

Tennesse HERE WE COME!!

Dont forget you can read about the daily happenings on tour with the Burlington Teen Tour Band. 

Read about the tour through the thoughts of a band member!

Each day we will have band members write about thier day. 

As long as we can get a wifi signal we will post!

For quick updates - follow the band on twitter @BTTB1 during the tour!