tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75161481589671501412024-02-20T18:50:50.989-08:00Sonos in Japan 2012This is our SEVENTH concert tour of Japan. Join us so we can share our adventure with you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-74793053303906965692012-12-23T17:53:00.001-08:002012-12-23T18:06:18.619-08:00A Plethora of Firsts<div dir="ltr">
As we finish up the Japan concert tour, I wanted to share some of my firsts.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japan from the Air</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<b>Being in Japan</b><br />
Or in Asia for that matter. It goes without saying that it's very different from home, but I've enjoyed my time here tremendously.</div>
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<b>First Sonos Tour</b><br />
While some of the crew have toured in Japan six times previously, this is my first. I had no idea what to expect: how grueling would the pace be? Will I keep up?</div>
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<b>Same</b><b> </b><b>Concert</b><b> 10 </b><b>Times</b><br />
It's very different doing the same show over and over. We started getting the whole setup done in barely any time at all; everyone just knew what needed to be done. Even during the show, the tech all went smoother and we all learned the music better than I thought possible. And now with 10 shows done I think we're finally ready to go on tour ;-) </div>
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<b>Playing a </b><b>Taiko</b><b> Drum</b><br />
While the picture isn't of me, I got to bang around on it too... highly recommended!</div>
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<b>First</b><b> </b><b>One</b><b> </b><b>Wounded</b><br />
No picture of this one (you're welcome). We hadn't been off the aircraft even for 1 minute and I was already bleeding. I don't even know how it happened... something cut my thumb up though.</div>
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<b>Hanging</b><b> </b><b>With</b><b> </b><b>the</b><b> </b><b>Empress</b><br />
Watched the Kiriku concert with the empress. She was looking over my shoulder the entire time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvPZKfRIsJHyRmLfmtuBTn4wdwLlhyphenhyphen9atgYaXVcW8Iiexf7p7DYYRuUfhpZJ4S3eUktsT4QIhnaST3nimX39zxKkfv967osDBX8Vw8Mu6SzCqGa6z4DwUn8TAcBNEAHAxOKdTSf_7BShc/s1600/about_left_2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvPZKfRIsJHyRmLfmtuBTn4wdwLlhyphenhyphen9atgYaXVcW8Iiexf7p7DYYRuUfhpZJ4S3eUktsT4QIhnaST3nimX39zxKkfv967osDBX8Vw8Mu6SzCqGa6z4DwUn8TAcBNEAHAxOKdTSf_7BShc/s320/about_left_2009.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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<b>Kiriku</b><b> </b><b>Concert</b><br />
A few people had been talking about this great (I was told the best, anywhere) handbell group in Tokyo... and since they were having a concert we should go. To put it mildly, <a href="http://www.kirik.info/index.html">Kiriku</a> surpassed even the high expectations I was given. They were amazing! And getting a standing ovation from the empress... not bad. Later on, I even got to meet and have dinner with the Kiriku folks - not sure you could meet a nicer bunch.</div>
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<b>My Lust for Crust</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3Sqa01fUKu4mtc5nZln7eAE9juUg-UsgpUX7aYyq72eVArK9Jv0Vj2iE0IrYaHxhbqyPoYZgF_cdh_Lqpp3HjjBzeskRsOROR9k1JUzkzi68y-JUR1CQ2yTyoNGDLjPqdvPuOWpysMp9/s1600/IMG_20121222_161153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3Sqa01fUKu4mtc5nZln7eAE9juUg-UsgpUX7aYyq72eVArK9Jv0Vj2iE0IrYaHxhbqyPoYZgF_cdh_Lqpp3HjjBzeskRsOROR9k1JUzkzi68y-JUR1CQ2yTyoNGDLjPqdvPuOWpysMp9/s320/IMG_20121222_161153.jpg" width="240" /></a>One of the most interesting oddities (to me anyway) in Japan is the distinct lack of crust on their sandwiches. Often, we would be given a pack of sandwiches to eat whilst rehearsing and preparing for a concert, and always these sandwiches lacked crust. It wasn't that the Japanese figured a way to bake bread crustless, but it was actively being removed.<br />
Thinking this may have been done specially for us, as we were guests, I went on a hunt around the various cities for crust. Every sandwich I found also was missing its outermost jacket.<br />
It took nearly 3 weeks, but I finally got a crust-laden sandwich.<br />
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<b>International </b><b>Incident</b><br />
Leave it to Joe...<br />
I was waiting for the elevator at the Keio Plaza hotel and there was a group of guys there. The eldest (probably around 50) said something to me. I recognized the inflection as a question, but I sure didn't understand, so I did what any good American traveling abroad would do and said "sorry, English."<br />
Next thing I knew the guy was yelling at the top of his lungs "Chi-si! Chi-si!" and pointing at me... obviously very angry... then the 20-ish guy in their group comes up to me and asks where I'm from. "Ummm... California...' I managed to mutter. He said something to his elder and the situation seemed to diffuse.<br />
Let me explain to those of you, like me, don't follow the highly charged and often violent world of professional soccer/football... because, let's face it, we just don't care that much in the States. The Brazilian team Corinthians was playing the <i>English</i> team Chelsea in Japan for some tournament. And the man I met was enough of a fan that he flew halfway around the world to watch a single game. And when I said English, he thought I meant the team... </div>
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Note to self, check the soccer schedule before traveling abroad. </div>
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Joe Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11199110758071192017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-5304639668552630132012-12-23T09:33:00.002-08:002012-12-23T09:33:55.321-08:00End of TourWe had our last concert this afternoon in Koganei, a subburb of Tokyo where they built a new concert hall just a year ago. It's a small, beautiful, wooden hall seating 578 and was almost full. We would love to bring it back to the East Bay. Indeed, we would love to have at home any of the halls we played in in Japan. Beautiful structures with amazing acoustics.<br />
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The audience was with us all the way, clapping rhythmically during the famous Viennese <i>Radetzky March </i>and sitting reverentially for almost 2½ minutes after our wonderful cellist, Emil Miland, did an even more amazing performance of <i>Smirti</i> ('Remembrance', played in honor of those who lost their lives and possessions in the Fukushima earthquake/tsunami). 2½ minutes is an incredibly long time for an audience to sit motionless. They only started to clap when the house lights began to come up. It was a very deep magic moment, just the kind we hope for after this work. It's very rewarding to me as the composer to feel that we touch people deeply. Many came up afterwards and told us how much they appreciated the feeling that <i>Smirti</i> generated.<br />
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The Sonosians did a terrific job for the whole tour, really putting their bodies, hearts and souls into wonderful performances all over the country. We've played for 6,700 people, bringing them our particular kind of joy.<br />
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Three spouses accompanied us on the tour. Lois's hubby David was again our exceedingly capable company manager and photo documentarian; Patti's tall, brilliant and soulful Warren spent time visiting the locales and getting to know the locals in ways we did not have time to; Cheryl's adoring, generous Jan did a Trojan effort schlepping, fixing, fetching, photographing and organizing anything we needed but could not seem to find.<br />
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And a word about our 'newbies,' Barbara, Gretchen (who commuted from southern CA for rehearsals with Michèle and Sunghee) and Joe. You have now been initiated into 'Sonoz', the crazy, wacky world of touring with Sonosians. You all survived beautifully, performed with skill, energy and enthusiasm and managed not to kill or be killed by anyone else. On an 18-day tour to a foreign country, that's a remarkable achievement.<br />
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Some more thanks are in order:<br />
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First to Emil.....this is the first time we have taken a guest artist on our Japanese tours. I knew you would do us proud not only in your music making (of the highest order) but also in your generous and spirited comaraderie. You charmed and moved us and our audiences, what more could we have hoped for. Michèle, Cheryl, Diane and Jason also contributed their flute, percussion and clarinet talents to give so much more variety to our programing.<br />
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Tess deserves our thanks (and sympathies) for the huge expenditure of time and energy dealing with the consulate in SF for visas <u>plus</u> managing all of the equipment, a humongous chore with all of the bell cases and other assorted sundries needed to make this handbell beast purr while on tour.<br />
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Last, but certainly not least, bankers are held in very low esteem these days, mostly in inverse proportion to their salaries, but Lois as the Chairperson of the Board of the Bank of Sonos (known as the BS) keeps track of the funds (as David disperses) and keeps track of who owes what. In addition she is the quiet ombudsperson who sews, mends, manages the CD sales reconciliation, creates out of nothing anything needed, sweeps the halls for anything left behind and all the while eschews any credit or recognition, the closest thing to a saint of anyone I know (Lois, I know I'll catch it for this but it's true!). She is greatly revered by us all.<br />
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If I've left anything or anyone out I can only blame it on the hour being 2:30 AM.<br />
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Jim<br />
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<br />jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579974893519332517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-91873213194878953942012-12-21T06:40:00.000-08:002012-12-21T14:08:25.720-08:00HiroshimaI took the Shinkansen from Fukuoka to Hiroshima on December 19. The Fukuoka subway station was steps from the hotel and only a couple of stops from the JR station. I bought a reserved seat on the Shinkansen as a hedge against crowds, but my car only had a smattering of passengers. At 0830 I was off toward Honshu at 180 mph.<br />
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Hiroshima weather was changeable, but I had borrowed an umbrella at the hotel desk and set out on the streets to see the city rather than taking the streetcar. I was headed to the central point in the city, the Memorial Peace Park.<br />
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The reconstruction of the city to rival any other in Japan should not be surprising, but it felt strange that everywhere I was walking was leveled almost 70 years ago, a situation common to cities visited by Allied bombing in Germany and Japan alike.<br />
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The walk to the Memorial Park was not quite an hour, and I immediately arrived at the Genbaku Dome, an icon known throughout the world. Located midway between the intended target of the weapon and the actual hypocenter 200m away, the building was the only structure left standing, like a testament of human resolve against destruction. Even the rubble left at the building's foundations was carefully preserved.<br />
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The park was immediately across the waterway. Various memorials are placed in the wooded areas and walking paths. The most moving was the "Memorial to the Victims of the Atomic Bomb." The structure resembled the theme of the Vietnam War Memorial, with a indoor path spiraling downward into the earth. Alcoves on the path explained the story of that day and the victims, leading to a well deep underground. A large diorama encircled the room, depicting the destroyed city in exquisite mosaic tiles. Caption stones were inlaid below identifying the different neighborhoods and structures destroyed. A fountain in the center offered the gentle sound of water, representing the victims who cried for a drink in the aftermath.<br />
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Admission to the museum at the south end of the park was only 50 yen. It presented the history of the city before, during and after the war. There was no hypocrisy. The exhibits told the story Japan's imperial past and Hiroshima's vital cultural, industrial and military role over centuries and in the Pacific War. Exhibits meticulously explained the science and geopolitics of the US and Allies leading to the manufacture and use of the weapon. Elaborate models showed the state of the city before and after the detonation. Posters explained the effects.<br />
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I was most overcome by small, personal items. A tricycle with enamel bubbled and scorched.<br />
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A metal lunchbox inscribed with a child's name. The contents were charcoal. <br />
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My heart full, I returned to 21st century streets. I passed underneath a busy intersection by an underground shopping passage. Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" played in the background. I smiled.<br />
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The Peace Memorial Park is not limited to events surrounding August 6, 1945, but points to a future free of conflicts that lead to weapons of mass destruction. I arrived in Fukuoka that evening for Sonos' performance. They invited the audience on stage to mingle with the performers while trying the bells and chimes. The happiness of two peoples coming together stood in contrast to the stories earlier that day. There truly is hope.<br />
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<br />Warren TenBrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03479196146620559391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-1065304217248342602012-12-20T21:13:00.002-08:002012-12-20T21:13:58.236-08:00A Very Short Visit to Sendai<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our time in Sendai was way too short. We left Morioka by bullet train on Thursday 12/13.</div>
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Almost all of our sight-seeing opportunities were during the walk from the train station to the hotel.<br />
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We stayed at the Hotel Monterey Sendai, which had castle-like decor. Sorry, but I cannot figure out how to get the pictures to turn upright when entered into this blog.<br />
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This is inside the hotel's elevator. Most hotels nowadays have a digital display. This one entertained us with its sliding bell-like indicator, as we traveled up to our rooms.<br />
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Sendai had another exquisite hall. This is the Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi, as we begin to unpack our equipment.<br />
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We've still got to find a way to take pictures during the concert, or at least dress for a rehearsal so we can get some performance pictures that way.</div>
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Since this was an evening concert, it was straight to bed. Then we leave the next morning for Shinjuku (Tokyo area).</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-16806290094766134312012-12-20T20:39:00.000-08:002012-12-20T20:39:14.484-08:00Madoka Koike Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra Violinist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We were blessed to have an excellent violinist join us for our concert in Sendai. Madorka Koike is a true professional who brings a lovely tone and sensitivity to her music. She is also a joy to work with.<br />
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Here she is playing with the outstanding cellist Emil Miland and (of course) Sonos. I believe that they are experiencing one of those special musical moments.<br />
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What would a tour be without a group shot?Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08637775956349758827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-61586134219625523052012-12-20T15:59:00.003-08:002012-12-21T06:01:47.835-08:00The Mayans Were RightIt's December 21, and the rumors were wrong. The world did not end.<br />
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Instead, we begin another Mayan calendar. Today is also the winter solstice - the shortest day and longest night of the year.<br />
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So we're off to the Tokyo suburb's fish market. The call time is 2:30pm for the bus to our 6:30pm performance at Nikkei Hall in Tokyo.<br />
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So go have a great day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-52308751815769805322012-12-19T13:27:00.000-08:002012-12-19T13:27:31.031-08:00And so it begins...Day 13: The beginning of the end for us. Until now, the adventure has been fairly calm and we've yet to attract the gaze of the enemy: sleep, tiredness, lack of focus, stress. I'm afraid, however, that our halcyon days are coming to an end.<br />
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Last night was the first of the grueling marathon we knew we would face at the end of our journey. We had a wonderful concert in Fukuoka, in another beautiful hall with an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. We're looking forward to another concert today, hopefully exhibiting those same characteristics. Then, another concert the next day... and the next... and the next...<br />
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The schedule worked out that we had four concerts in the first 12 days of our tour... and then <b>five</b> concerts in a row before we fly home. Yes, we've reached crunch time, ladies and gentlemen, when we separate the men from the boys, the women from the girls.<br />
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While this will be an endurance test, at the same time it's a chance we rarely have - continual, unrelenting performance and opportunities to grow and learn together. It ain't easy, but <i>damn</i> will we kick butt by the end of this trip.<br />
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I know we'll be exhausted by the end. I know there'll be times we'll wonder "why the heck are we putting ourselves through this?" But... when you're up on that stage, the spotlights on, sharing your music with your fellow ringers and your audience, and that single, pure moment of joy and expression alights on you... it's all worth it.<br />
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This is what we live for.<br />
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---Jason<br />
<br />Jason Tillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224170183422058830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-73393138598915887912012-12-19T06:31:00.000-08:002012-12-19T06:31:06.527-08:00Niigata!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our time in Niigata was wonderful! This time we stayed at the Niigata Grand Hotel, and grand it was! <br />
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As is extremely common here, our hotel included a wedding chapel and even a little organ!<br />
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The concert hall was fabulous. Probably getting tired of me saying that, eh?<br />
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A good portion of the rehearsal time at each hall is working out the lighting. There's quite a bit going on at the beginning of the show, and it just takes lots of time to get all the lights ready. We always have to line up for Sonics, spike everything, and make sure the lights are correct:<br />
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This is my setup for Sonics. Michele has a similar setup on her side of the stage. <br />
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The stage is completely bare at the beginning of the concert, except for a mass of spikes and the two bell fans. This is all there is:<br />
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I caught Joe fooling around, just banging away and having a ball.<br />
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(BTW, I do a heckuva lot of "banging" in Sonics, and I have a ball, too!!)<br />
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Before each concert they feed us. Generally, we get "Bento" boxes, which are prepared, hot trays with rice, usually some meat, lots of fish, and perhaps some veggies. I'm surprised nobody's taken any Bento pictures - that's usually a staple of the Sonos Japan tour blog. ;)<br />
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Here we are getting ready backstage and just centering ourselves for the show:<br />
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<br />This is a sweet shot of my honey and our primo celliste, Emil Miland:<br />
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Aren't they cute?<br />
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---JasonJason Tillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224170183422058830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-35326816797399101742012-12-18T14:58:00.000-08:002012-12-18T14:58:06.559-08:00Kamakura<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We went to Kamakura to see temples and Buddhas and to play Sakura Sakura for residents of some senior homes. The weather was gray, but it was a beautiful day.<br />
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First stop was a big temple on a hill, not far from the train station. These sake barrels are stacked outside. <br />
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Here's Gretchen on the steps.<br />
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We stopped for lunch at a lovely soba noodle restaurant that had room for all of us. Sunghee taught us out to make chopstick rests out of the paper they come in. Warren's hands are at work here making a more creative version.<br />
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"This is a shot of the menu. Warren and I both had the one that is described as, "Please enjoy with the soup of the French product wild duck which stewed." It was excellent, and very welcome on a cold day.<br />
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Wandering through the streets was fun. Kamakura is a great shopping place. Lots of locally made specialties. Along the way, we saw the Kamakura personhole cover, and these orchids.<br />
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Five of us broke off after lunch, with Tamamura-san and our translator, Miyuko. We walked to one senior home, then took taxis to the next. On the way to the first, we passed several surf shops along the coast. As we were shivering our way along the shore, we saw a bunch of windsurfers out on the water.<br />
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The residents really appreciated our playing. They sang along, which always brings on some tears for me. After a short visit to the Daibutsu, Mr. Tamamura wanted a coffee break, so we stopped in a tiny place for dessert and tea or coffee. One woman prepared and served all. Here is the group.<br />
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According to Miyuko, the note on the right (which was hanging on the door of the restaurant) says that Barack Obama stopped in here after a visit to the Daibutsu when he was a boy. There is also a city in Japan called Obama. And we saw a news clipping in downtown Kamakura of President Obama on a visit. Where is he from again?<br />
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And, one of the highlights of the day was when Warren realized that, after lunch, he had inadvertently zipped his coats together. He said, "Jim, I'm ready for Sonics."<br />
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<br />Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01463635309706964223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-85081076071630913422012-12-18T14:35:00.003-08:002012-12-18T14:35:26.062-08:00Disney Sea!
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Barbara, Gretchen, Tess, Sunghee, Warren and I made our way to Tokyo Disney
on Sunday. It was the nicest day we've had weather-wise since we've been here.
Good weather + Sunday = Massive Crowds! Loooooong lines. Disappearing Fast
Passes. That salmon-swimming-upstream feeling most of the day. But, we had a
really great day.<br />
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When we arrived, we took some photos outside the park. What was this little
girl looking at?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-078LidB0JLJUvGxB6nSg7LbKHQvE3peX9u4kkzJiim2mCGiULGlYiCbpzru7jUl6h2qiUd7zsLhuKUafuGZOLu9KDKSAXwpJ8R9ahifmnN_UepJYZVEJiaEUxUCoJNOshe4-cqZhAg/s1600/Disney+Entrance+Little+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-078LidB0JLJUvGxB6nSg7LbKHQvE3peX9u4kkzJiim2mCGiULGlYiCbpzru7jUl6h2qiUd7zsLhuKUafuGZOLu9KDKSAXwpJ8R9ahifmnN_UepJYZVEJiaEUxUCoJNOshe4-cqZhAg/s1600/Disney+Entrance+Little+Girl.jpg" height="320" width="263" /></a></div>
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Why, these crazy Americans, of course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QZK4cyRv1Uq5Lg64CRYledW8I1x_XOKueK6xiNlX40RmHF9FzuM61xxFj7aALaPa1zMXntY8ii19m7EAehl6-Q5GNKjGkojNT33hl0s1x4Y37H_IhAT3YIFaMfPYYljXkJhij5DT53I/s1600/Disney+Entrance.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QZK4cyRv1Uq5Lg64CRYledW8I1x_XOKueK6xiNlX40RmHF9FzuM61xxFj7aALaPa1zMXntY8ii19m7EAehl6-Q5GNKjGkojNT33hl0s1x4Y37H_IhAT3YIFaMfPYYljXkJhij5DT53I/s1600/Disney+Entrance.jpeg" height="320" width="284" /></a><br />
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We got on the monorail to head into the park. All were a-bubble with
anticipation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaW5f3oBShZQYSktWnfOX53GsaiFt-xiB28SQvhbWQt81yxSUbwqOQxGWEnsZ0rf8AAkTJzr5u9eWKo0fTcL1xIJCcCU4VJTyAacI0BRY3QHXfSqOsiATtCEAi6oFgti4zBQ4EBtry9Q/s1600/Mango+Mickey+Mousse.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaW5f3oBShZQYSktWnfOX53GsaiFt-xiB28SQvhbWQt81yxSUbwqOQxGWEnsZ0rf8AAkTJzr5u9eWKo0fTcL1xIJCcCU4VJTyAacI0BRY3QHXfSqOsiATtCEAi6oFgti4zBQ4EBtry9Q/s1600/Mango+Mickey+Mousse.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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The food was better than I ever remember at Tokyo Disney. For lunch we all
had a various curries and naan bread. Dessert for me was a mango mousse cake.
At dinner time, we had some good Chinese food. This time dessert was a mango
mousse, which was not as mango-y as the lunch version, but was much cuter. Here
it is..... the Mango Mickey Mousse.<br />
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We were happily, thoroughly, pleasantly pooped when we left the park around
9:30 p.m and made our way back to the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku.<br />
Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01463635309706964223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-65726533719096465332012-12-18T04:50:00.001-08:002012-12-18T04:50:44.392-08:00From Itami to MoriokaAfter our concert at Uonuma, we traveled to Morioka. These are just some pretty pictures I took along the way. We had the great pleasure of taking the bullet train (shinkansen), which is the best way to travel <i>ever</i>. Peaceful, quiet, luxurious, great bathroom access... who could ask for more?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuJdmDJR0YFyQjcs88saJVKeRSzZ55y5oPaVwvQmvRi5YyhLZAk8OK22HNUn82cXKrUgBuAI7UXXKEMNoEbByNa15VKsHWiuau1o7MEi2DTrS0llSW0VKW9hYt1TzsUYUaPjZiDkd09oG/s1600/_MG_8257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuJdmDJR0YFyQjcs88saJVKeRSzZ55y5oPaVwvQmvRi5YyhLZAk8OK22HNUn82cXKrUgBuAI7UXXKEMNoEbByNa15VKsHWiuau1o7MEi2DTrS0llSW0VKW9hYt1TzsUYUaPjZiDkd09oG/s320/_MG_8257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4cLT6VVDUFRxUVWzYpDpzHqdAxrIpAL-eAH75FPXJuDt1ikcSqU5GX63bCjsfkgcaHLHYwWFwYEYnwdXZqT-FsCf37LcCGx9tX1_u-vflT7ScaJy69jXohUPLLecIu9q6FAxGkKLjF3p/s1600/_MG_8258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4cLT6VVDUFRxUVWzYpDpzHqdAxrIpAL-eAH75FPXJuDt1ikcSqU5GX63bCjsfkgcaHLHYwWFwYEYnwdXZqT-FsCf37LcCGx9tX1_u-vflT7ScaJy69jXohUPLLecIu9q6FAxGkKLjF3p/s320/_MG_8258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There wasn't any snow in Itami, but as we were traveling north, we got into it again. :/<br />
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This isn't Mt. Fuji, but it was awfully pretty. :) <br />
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Finally, we don't know the meaning of this statue, but it was <i>big</i>. <br />
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Just a little travelogue. Enjoy!<br />
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---JasonJason Tillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224170183422058830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-51509778723427561852012-12-18T04:34:00.000-08:002012-12-18T04:34:07.125-08:00Cold Snow, Warm HeartsOur performance day in Uonuma started out with a bang and ended with a zzzzzzz...<br />
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It was snowing badly at the performance location and the highway was blocked... so we had to leave an hour-and-a-half early to ensure we made it for the rehearsal. And, indeed, it was snowing. We made a pitstop at a small store:<br />
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Yes, the carving above is provided by the Rotary Club. There are Rotary and Lions clubs all over Japan! While in the store, we came across some odd stuff:<br />
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My wife just <i>loves</i> fish, and the second thing... well...<br />
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We made it on time, and the concert was fabulous. Although sparsely attended, the audience was wonderful and enthusiastic. Afterwards we invited them to come up on stage to see the bells. We used to do this more often, but for some reason this is happening less this tour than in the past:<br />
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People <b>love</b> to see and touch and hear the bells!<br />
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This woman was fascinated by the harmonics and how she perceived them:<br />
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Four-in-hand is always a fun concept and people are fascinated by the fine control we have over the bells:<br />
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Singing bell, the technique that Sonos reintroduced to the handbell world, is also an audience pleaser:<br />
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It can be hard to get at first, but once somebody figures out the technique and makes the bell "sing," their eyes just light up with joy. It's a great honor to bring that experience to people the world over.<br />
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Getting back was a bit of a challenge. We hopped in the bus around 10 PM. And we moved 30 feet or so and... sat. And sat. And sat. Turns out that the highway was being reopened, but a snow plow had broken down and needed to be towed! The irony!<br />
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We'd move a few feet. Then we'd sit. And sit. And sit a lot more. We finally got home around 2AM. Yeah, it was a long night. We thought we might go back to the hall and sleep on our foam. ;) But, our intrepid bus driver persevered and we made it back!<br />
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The next day, before we left, we wandered around Itami a bit, so I'll leave you with a few impressions:<br />
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(See if you can see the weirdness in the picture of the building above!!)<br />
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Then it was off to Morioka, but that's for another post.<br />
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---Jason<br />
Jason Tillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224170183422058830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-79084218933387885612012-12-18T00:44:00.002-08:002012-12-18T00:44:34.373-08:00Still Cold in MoriokaOur hotel was very close to the river.<br />
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Had a little time to walk around the city with Cheryl and Jan. Emil joined us for the trip to the old castle grounds where the embankments have been made into a park.<br />
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It took a while to walk through lots of snow, slush and water but we found the city lake.</div>
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Snowed in bicycle, dried fish, bushes tied up to prevent snow damage, all signs of daily life in this northern cold climate.<br />
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Always nice to see bells, silent though they may be!<br />
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Concert hall, another fine acoustic and 700 in the very receptive audience. At all the concerts so far the introduction to <i>Smirti</i> was read aloud as we quietly set up for the performance. Here they had printed it in the program. Not what I wanted since many of the audience might not read it and the intent of the work is very specific. Our agent assured us that all of the remaining performances will have it read.<br />
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<i>Sonics</i> rehearsal.<br />
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Casual group photo.<br />
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Now on to Sendai, a city which saw much destruction by the tsunami last year.<br />
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jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579974893519332517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-26229349161451183842012-12-18T00:29:00.001-08:002012-12-18T00:29:29.423-08:00A "Day Off"<br />
It started as an early morning after a very fun (but long!) day at Disney Sea. I was grateful to wake up without the very sore back and feet I acquired yesterday! Several of us had volunteered to play our quartet piece, "Sakura," for two nursing home facilites in Kamakura yesterday. Many of the rest of us joined in for sight-seeing along the way. We started out on our one hour train trip to Kamakura, leaving through Shinjuku Station, the busiest train station in the world. As the train emptied from stop to stop, we found seats and settled in for the rest of the ride.<br />
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When we arrived in Kamakura, we walked under the large gate and up the middle of the street toward Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū, a Shinto shrine.<br />
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It was built in 1063. We took some pictures and video and when we had our fill, walked back another way to find lunch. Tamamura-san (our agent here) led us into a restaurant specializing in soba, a buckwheat noodle shaped like spaghetti, where we slipped off our shoes at the door and each ordered our topping...mine, tempura (shrimp and vegetables). After lunch we shopped down a narrow alley of businesses, each stopping in shops that interested us, some with beautiful and ornate chopsticks, stationery, clothing, and of course, cell phone charms (VERY popular here!).<br />
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After lunch and shopping, the small group split off to go to the nursing homes. The people there were so appreciative of our coming, the residents sang along with our playing, and we all had "warm fuzzies" in sharing this traditional Japanese melody together. At the second home, the eldest resident, 102 years old, presented each of us with packages of special ornate Japanese paper (I feel some origami and scrapbooking coming on here!). She seemed not a day over 75! This visit was really a highlight for me.<br />
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The others in our group had gone on without us, so our small group, with Tamamura-san's help, visited the Kamakura Daibutsu (Amida Buddha). I had the opportunity to "sing" a bell under a lovely tree on the grounds and Patti took this great picture of me in one of those moments a person never forgets. <br />
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We ended our amazing day of history and service with a little Japanese culture. We slipped into a tiny restaurant (seating maybe 16 people) for a hot drink and warm sweet, little rice cakes and chestnuts in a warm sweet bean sauce. A sweet older woman worked alone to prepare and serve our treat. When we were all warmed up, we headed for the train station to make our way back to Tokyo.<br />
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There is NOTHING like Shinjuku Station at rush hour! The massive numbers of people stream through the station as fast as the trains! With only two minutes to get off and on, there is a huge adreline rush and a fight or flight response that kicks in as you fear you make not get on or off the platform on time! I now know first hand the videos on youtube of station workers "stuffing" trains is absolutely true! I cringed as it appeared one girl's toes were not all the way inside the doors! She managed to pull them back another inch as the doors met them in the middle and off she went.Barbara Meinkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09242464304886791010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-36628499239590877032012-12-15T09:22:00.001-08:002012-12-15T09:22:21.166-08:00Sonos Receives Icy Reception<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sonos Handbell Ensemble received an icy reception by Mother Nature on our way to the second concert in Uonoma on our 7th tour to Japan last night.</span> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heavy snow from a formidable blizzard accompanied us on the bus trip from Niigata to Uonoma, a city known for its premier rice situated amidst a winter vacation area with hot springs and ski resorts. Over 6 feet of snow lined the icy roads as the snow fell heavily at a 20 degree angle. The trip which normally would take an hour and a half took well over three. (Coming back was even worse with a 2-hour park on the road waiting for snow to be cleared.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cellist Emil Miland's 19th century cello, "Nestor", took the frigid weather in stride and had no complaints after warming up in the 1000-seat concert venue. Again, the hall had amazingly wonderful acoustics. Built in 1998, the sound was brilliant and alive at every point in the room. I don't know why the Japanese can get it so right time after time in their many halls and in America we have such consistent acoustical problems with the few halls we do have. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mother Nature might have provided an icy reception outside, but inside the people inside were warm and unusually demonstrative for the typical Japanese audience. It's not that they are not feeling it but their culture reserves large displays of emotion for the TV soap opera series and game shows.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They especially appreciate "Smirti" (Sanskrit for "Remembrance"), the work that I wrote for Emil in honor of 9/11. A spoken preface to the work explains:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1800ff; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The composer speaks -</span> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">After the terrorist attack on New York's Twin Towers I felt a need to respond musically as a composer. It took 3 years before what I was feeling became strong enough to be able to write it down in the material world. It would have been easy to write something that reflected the surface tragedy, but that would tie the piece to just this one event.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt there was a deeper and more universal lesson to learn from that and all other catastrophic events. At the deepest level of human life we are all connected. So whatever happens to one of us happens to all of us - we are not isolated in the world. If we only understood this completely we would not do what we sometimes do to each other, because we do it to ourselves.</span></span> </blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite the tragic events that have occurred in your country with so much loss of life and property, the Japanese people have responded with great courage and strength. These qualities we all have, we just need to remember them.</span></span> </blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A single cellist enters the stage quietly and sits with his eyes closed. A community of people sits around him. He begins with music from another world, a world where spirits who have lost their life are trying to understand what just happened to them.</span></span> </blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A deep low song comes from the cello as the other players bring the support of the whole community and recount the events that have just happened. The cello reflects these events in a very strong, agitated section which eventually returns to the deep consoling song that brings strength and courage.</span></span> </blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sonos offers <i>Smirti</i>, which means "remembrance," to all Japanese people in honor of their deep strength and courage.</span></span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uonuma experienced a severe earthquake 6 years ago so this sentiment was especially meaningful to them. The manager pulled me aside after the concert and said that many top ensembles come and perform in this hall, they play beautiful melodies expertly, but that they do not touch his "bliss" (his word), they do not touch his heart. The joy of music making that Sonos displays did. You can't hope for any better reaction than that. That's why we do what we do and it appears to be working!</span></div>
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jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579974893519332517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-79729694374914350442012-12-15T07:23:00.000-08:002012-12-15T07:23:47.583-08:00A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Kiriku Concert......we came across the Japanese Empress!!<br />
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But... back up...<br />
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Today we took the train from Sendai to Tokyo, where we'll be staying for the next few days. Specifically, we're at the wonderful Keio Plaza Hotel in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. It's an awesome place! Outside in the lobby is this monstrosity: <br />
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OH, and the crass banner hung above the sign was put there by some soccer fans of the Corinthians Paulista football (soccer) team. Apparently they have a big world championship against FC Chelsea (English club). Soccer fans are the most rabid of all and follow their teams all over the world - and they all seem to be staying at the Keio Plaza hotel. ;)<br />
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We were quickly met by a dear friend of Jim's (and all of us), Tomoko. She's a sweety!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojUcZ15Q-rI0oScWAF6J09nMoDEP-blvnTnTLLP2YXMWELGDCLigsZUdJ_28b4vDFHYRtFx6UySxxH0DYZwM3zbaqkLMw7biirK95tL3TjdsADwCWFbASZyoQnj_agZrHbcspbNFU3HxO/s1600/_MG_8357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojUcZ15Q-rI0oScWAF6J09nMoDEP-blvnTnTLLP2YXMWELGDCLigsZUdJ_28b4vDFHYRtFx6UySxxH0DYZwM3zbaqkLMw7biirK95tL3TjdsADwCWFbASZyoQnj_agZrHbcspbNFU3HxO/s320/_MG_8357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tomoko will be showing us around Tokyo tomorrow - hopefully we'll hit the new Sun Tower, supposedly now the tallest in Asia.<br />
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Many of us are good friends with members of the Kiriku Handbell Ensemble based in Tokyo with Taiko Otsubo as its artistic director and leading light. Taiko played with Sonos in the early 2000s as she was getting past her previous ensemble, Chamber Ringing Soloists, and starting up another group which would become Kiriku. Kiriku is definitely a spiritual relation to Sonos.<br /><br />Sometimes our schedules conflict so that we don't get to see them when we're in Tokyo, but this year we could! Yay! So, we all (most of us) packed up and headed out to the train station. Kiriku played at the Marikyu-Asahi hall, where Sonos has also played. It was 10 stops away from Tochomae, which is very close to our hotel.<br /><br />The Tokyo subway is about as pleasurable an experience as you're going to get for such an efficient and effective mode of transportation. The system is extensive - you can literally get *everywhere* in Tokyo on the subway. People are courteous and quiet while on the train. (We are always the most boisterous riders! Go figure!) Here's a shot down one train.<br /><br />
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And here's Jim:<br />
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We got off and tried to find the concert hall. We weren't so lucky at first and had to walk around the block a few times... but we did finally get there! Good thing we left early. ;) On the way up, we saw a concert poster of our friends! Yay! <br />
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We made our way up to the hall, which is in a non-descript office buliding. They put concert halls EVERYWHERE in Japan!!<br />
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Marquise managed all the logistics and got us a block of seats on the lower level. 4000 yen a piece (about $50). Here're a bunch of Sonosians camped out waiting for the concert to begin:<br />
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I took the opportunity to wander around and get some pictures of Kiriku's layout:<br />
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Beautiful hall, huh? It really is nice - great sound, good sightlines for the audience, and really intimate on stage - love it!!<br />
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As I was upstairs, there was a guy in an official-looking suit doing the whole "secret service" thing, talking into his wrist, touching an earpiece - I thought he was just an usher or something. Boy, was I wrong!<br />
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The first half was fabulout, as always. They played Mozart, Piazzolla, Bach, a Garee arrangement... all good stuff. Then, as we were lounging around getting ready for the second half to start, the audience turns around and starts to mutter and point. We had no idea what was going on. We look up, and there's a very nice elderly Japanese lady sitting down in the balcony. The audience starts to clap!<br />
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We thought she had to be a patron or a sponsor or something. We were all looking puzzled at each other trying to figure out what was going on. Jim asks a nearby audience member, who replies: "Empress!"<br />
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Yes, the EMPRESS OF JAPAN was at our friends' handbell concert. :)<br />
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The audience was all a-twitter, and we were feeling pretty special, too. :) Some of us have been able to visit the Emperor's castle on the day they celebrate his birthday (Dec. 23rd), but I don't think we've had the pleasure of making his acquaintance. ;) We didn't exactly get to meet the Empress, but we were 30 feet away or so!!<br />
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The rest of the concert was fabulous, as expected, with raucous cheers (not all from us!) and three encores. Taiko has forged a marvelous instrument in Kiriku, and it seems like they can do anything they want with the bells, effortlessly. I'm proud to know them!<br />
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We weren't sure we could meet Kiriku afterwards, being as they were probably greeting the EMPRESS OF JAPAN. But, Taiko came out and we had a group hug and joyful reminiscing. Her three children are beautiful, and her husband, Michitaka, looked as dapper as ever.<br />
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In the end, we had to settle for a group photo before heading back to the train station and on home to our hotel.<br />
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Tomorrow we'll be exploring Tokyo and recharging our batteries getting ready for the final onslaught of concerts that will start in a few days and take us to the end of the tour. What a happy day today was! Thank you, Kiriku, and thank you, Taiko-san!<br />
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---Jason<br />
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Jason Tillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08224170183422058830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-49990429764804741452012-12-15T04:11:00.000-08:002012-12-15T16:34:14.837-08:00Winging It at Morioka<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's Friday 12/14 at Morioka Civic Cultural Hall, and Sonos is preparing for concert #4. Since we're not allowed to take photos during the concert, Jan attempts to do so from the backstage wings. Some of these shots are from the side door (when it's open for Sonos to enter/exit stage), some are from between the cracks in the backstage wall, and some are through the peeking window in the wing's side door.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonos has a quick pre-concert pep talk, and then circles up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lining up on stage right for our first number.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for our cue.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although it looks like we are playing air-bells, actually we just dusted off our hands after setting the tables.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enter the wedge fairies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After placing their wedges, call the dragon!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With much fanfare, the dragon enters the stage.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The audience was enthralled!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During "Smirti," Emil played his cello surrounded by a semi-circle of Sonosians.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Later in the concert, Emil performed "Three Medieval Carols" with Sonos at the tables.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of "Three Medieval Carols"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Jingle Bells" quartet hams it up, as Marquise reveals his Minnie Mouse Santa hat, with Cheryl hiding.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the three search for their missing player, Cheryl peaks above the tabletop with a bright red (mallet) nose.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This poor reindeer has to pull three Santas in a sleigh!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jason's bell flip</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91_ras88qopYUkF5qW_lVrYfUgGQFgXTNKgrbKD_YOLdltZBL9poi47jTsH9X7S4OdYkMWjBvUg5WSSukLAIJgOl-HIAVFnA0hqHeQepMoHrke4b1m2az2EyqU51TNlxKUixMPWYKreLG/s1600/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91_ras88qopYUkF5qW_lVrYfUgGQFgXTNKgrbKD_YOLdltZBL9poi47jTsH9X7S4OdYkMWjBvUg5WSSukLAIJgOl-HIAVFnA0hqHeQepMoHrke4b1m2az2EyqU51TNlxKUixMPWYKreLG/s320/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall18.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During the quartet's bow, Jason's hat flies off backwards. You can barely see it behind Marquise.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToH_A7nOjpvUJZjMKogeNHPH5OPapDADBwRdcMfSgMghchhmqD3AaN80s4nAVrJTVmQfndjZo3Yigo_Qgue2XcX4hzvIlDML-i1K4IFc5CPHiqciRjm6Me27VEPuIWzBwyCXOTUefQ1u6/s1600/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToH_A7nOjpvUJZjMKogeNHPH5OPapDADBwRdcMfSgMghchhmqD3AaN80s4nAVrJTVmQfndjZo3Yigo_Qgue2XcX4hzvIlDML-i1K4IFc5CPHiqciRjm6Me27VEPuIWzBwyCXOTUefQ1u6/s320/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall19.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To his surprise, the whole concert stopped as Sonos inserted "Happy Birthday" for Marquise.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PE2AUnpcCUFQG2JTrF-mEaCGw-lwaAzE7kmfc54LXFzgrWumE2gkCom9cw28iqQo98hWZ8XndvKl-odGN7Hiz5d8ZqxIJOB2S8sFc9VifKKuFPbQamqAoKOQwcjDSvW_3C_jnAjvVA7I/s1600/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PE2AUnpcCUFQG2JTrF-mEaCGw-lwaAzE7kmfc54LXFzgrWumE2gkCom9cw28iqQo98hWZ8XndvKl-odGN7Hiz5d8ZqxIJOB2S8sFc9VifKKuFPbQamqAoKOQwcjDSvW_3C_jnAjvVA7I/s320/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall20.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entire audience sang along too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLwc37mI35-sJgt7NuBjzIQ0V23hm8ADNFBejrN8EsQaulEMAYoQvjs2_IKF93AiPaipfwRxefFIqovPjYSbF9JVlR-haoQiGgwIthPEJVP0PRyOVda9qcOOdWY-RP-ITKQnd7GDSNpg6/s1600/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLwc37mI35-sJgt7NuBjzIQ0V23hm8ADNFBejrN8EsQaulEMAYoQvjs2_IKF93AiPaipfwRxefFIqovPjYSbF9JVlR-haoQiGgwIthPEJVP0PRyOVda9qcOOdWY-RP-ITKQnd7GDSNpg6/s320/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall21.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 23rd birthday, Marquise!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkM6tj5kyVaUNkF81LdPU8uIwa8GJcWCNeLsKiebjlH586oWmQYn6KqBhwQrmCDvFH_6xr3sRVgoanfMHvkR53ytSGfXIco-Bu360i5UZywf9QKGtSuxK95wTbKTxLZsDRcB3CVxSZ6Su/s1600/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkM6tj5kyVaUNkF81LdPU8uIwa8GJcWCNeLsKiebjlH586oWmQYn6KqBhwQrmCDvFH_6xr3sRVgoanfMHvkR53ytSGfXIco-Bu360i5UZywf9QKGtSuxK95wTbKTxLZsDRcB3CVxSZ6Su/s320/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall22.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our final number (without encores) was "Radetzky March," with Cheryl on percussion.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5Hsfszfr43X14I0aqgWbzGTtI5VXQJcBA1WzS8Kec9SqCQOVpkKqv1O-7EY6PClxDk4jE1M8L9TqZJyj-EFnNSRU5VR6HjoJa5JM5bYuRSnWQMqbH4-a4I-S1SzBXzxbGmSOkkYBfllr/s1600/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5Hsfszfr43X14I0aqgWbzGTtI5VXQJcBA1WzS8Kec9SqCQOVpkKqv1O-7EY6PClxDk4jE1M8L9TqZJyj-EFnNSRU5VR6HjoJa5JM5bYuRSnWQMqbH4-a4I-S1SzBXzxbGmSOkkYBfllr/s320/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall23.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonos takes a well-deserved bow.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BF_OF0LNSdAGy9tFu3lW_GPq-QV5YiZyQvWgaw1qpgxKwrZY9_zp1RBLCQ_8NlTyBAupzuV-0Si4y7B1WLBu8w4Abhxhqz-074W_7SJtAiSdRq2wg-cUYiTl6P96gEGTT8NnDuC-30t-/s1600/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BF_OF0LNSdAGy9tFu3lW_GPq-QV5YiZyQvWgaw1qpgxKwrZY9_zp1RBLCQ_8NlTyBAupzuV-0Si4y7B1WLBu8w4Abhxhqz-074W_7SJtAiSdRq2wg-cUYiTl6P96gEGTT8NnDuC-30t-/s320/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall26.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonos members are all smiles as the audience applauds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPe35LuZeCUokof1omKpC1Duoff4zvoW-oj8l3YNaABsqogJTpKHJwAP83bwr0O3BaJOTF4Pjt6DB5ttH6YgxITZaGr9MEAliI14hWaJV7P4uyfsuhmfr3FcZwQ0flk-pFmQwz4scdA7pQ/s1600/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPe35LuZeCUokof1omKpC1Duoff4zvoW-oj8l3YNaABsqogJTpKHJwAP83bwr0O3BaJOTF4Pjt6DB5ttH6YgxITZaGr9MEAliI14hWaJV7P4uyfsuhmfr3FcZwQ0flk-pFmQwz4scdA7pQ/s320/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall24.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morioka Civic Cultural Hall is beautiful!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiUuT-ocahB_pfFFW2XnC5B6PRkk1Zy3wFEKe-M-ftzBFrxc-uiwGU5uoTECdJmCfDRj87EeRVh0H1jHK42gKxxgYXwTS6_MKwo_oqiE81mA2HAfp9sEMHqpEKYtZCyaqddraf724WY2U/s1600/2012_12_13+MoriokaHall08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcsz2cfJwzXOZcpAEbDyGjTMo0ioNpe2TMrxYLDQ7-cmqyiTCHDEelNi7tXpCt-qzu00mGJYh1538dD99b7SkxOjA689fyvXOy7d_rxAIG5HyPAJzvh-Lz-3Oz9zcsNa-smztbQoFvUap/s1600/2012_12_13+MoriokaHallGroup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcsz2cfJwzXOZcpAEbDyGjTMo0ioNpe2TMrxYLDQ7-cmqyiTCHDEelNi7tXpCt-qzu00mGJYh1538dD99b7SkxOjA689fyvXOy7d_rxAIG5HyPAJzvh-Lz-3Oz9zcsNa-smztbQoFvUap/s320/2012_12_13+MoriokaHallGroup.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group hug after clearing the stage!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-34836877462681652012-12-14T17:00:00.002-08:002012-12-15T02:03:15.347-08:00Out and About in Morioka<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Thursday 12/13, we had a little time off in the morning before the concert call time. Jim, Emil, Jan and I walked around Morioka. It was cold, and the ground had crunchy icy snow. Although we had a somewhat blue sky, the flurries would sometimes fall. It was very pretty.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEHeyzEWsNQo4yGm_NDH6YqtWc0LvNw2DFH8UI-OoPAmEjxH3ZOU2nCdk57lSKyQMSQp6Jh1PTLIOuZGwnpBjCdT1rBzDCWaM3nibV3U1T4b9XCmFiCow5Kg0DARonilNaTINuxlk5fC2/s1600/2012_12_13+Moriota01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEHeyzEWsNQo4yGm_NDH6YqtWc0LvNw2DFH8UI-OoPAmEjxH3ZOU2nCdk57lSKyQMSQp6Jh1PTLIOuZGwnpBjCdT1rBzDCWaM3nibV3U1T4b9XCmFiCow5Kg0DARonilNaTINuxlk5fC2/s320/2012_12_13+Moriota01.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge over the nearby canal in Morioka</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCi_hC5vNPjuhUsDEb6-bYomehvTXO6SmCr_D240lgiMc5Q6oaZ5LM18GNrcNWtlJwB8DWh5ovN8jnJBwnzs32wQJFkqbHQJBZJ8sNh-eaxE_B7Iwd3LPxf7ps5GeOG9rG1jhlVSKBAqn/s1600/2012_12_13+Moriota03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCi_hC5vNPjuhUsDEb6-bYomehvTXO6SmCr_D240lgiMc5Q6oaZ5LM18GNrcNWtlJwB8DWh5ovN8jnJBwnzs32wQJFkqbHQJBZJ8sNh-eaxE_B7Iwd3LPxf7ps5GeOG9rG1jhlVSKBAqn/s320/2012_12_13+Moriota03.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy shopping street</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrLBeqKdv1GXNYdHpKB95wbYbKl_HgDwaQIY24KBr1J7YUyAP_y8w1Aba9yZ7mAAPjqixZnHWuBln4UHQvDPOrJy5ResdjAwwsMR-xSVUUah61N2hR1OezpDGBV35nZ3izj7KSQwlLM2m/s1600/2012_12_13+Moriota04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrLBeqKdv1GXNYdHpKB95wbYbKl_HgDwaQIY24KBr1J7YUyAP_y8w1Aba9yZ7mAAPjqixZnHWuBln4UHQvDPOrJy5ResdjAwwsMR-xSVUUah61N2hR1OezpDGBV35nZ3izj7KSQwlLM2m/s320/2012_12_13+Moriota04.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish for sale</td></tr>
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We walked to the Morioka Castle site, a short distance from our hotel. The castle was long gone, but the site still had foundations and such. Since much of Japan's population builds on the flat lands, a hill makes for a great viewing spot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoQ08BwBnjuQhrZ1m0IE2DGgLfQZH9B5wv3JZVVT2xVYRtNWi07kLLSr97cBmDL_pelNex4s2q302VfUAgISlMHhxwZaO1TBNrrPFx_AvYNwVwPlYN6wZiR6MBf-6bDIXZrZo1MpWZtiH/s1600/2012_12_13+MoriotaCastleSite2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoQ08BwBnjuQhrZ1m0IE2DGgLfQZH9B5wv3JZVVT2xVYRtNWi07kLLSr97cBmDL_pelNex4s2q302VfUAgISlMHhxwZaO1TBNrrPFx_AvYNwVwPlYN6wZiR6MBf-6bDIXZrZo1MpWZtiH/s320/2012_12_13+MoriotaCastleSite2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue47XObd9VbcBNDnE_KCS4K5KWMR-OdXGO0VQeeUYtC8PtOQt3DOc4AK1ka-ib36I1qeCyL8IGvApOuGWMplueNsazB6Ryq63g9X3YKMizrknd_LZRrINRd9zNo9z_82uJ42gvKDNx-uO/s1600/2012_12_13+MoriotaCastleSite5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue47XObd9VbcBNDnE_KCS4K5KWMR-OdXGO0VQeeUYtC8PtOQt3DOc4AK1ka-ib36I1qeCyL8IGvApOuGWMplueNsazB6Ryq63g9X3YKMizrknd_LZRrINRd9zNo9z_82uJ42gvKDNx-uO/s320/2012_12_13+MoriotaCastleSite5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Emil returned to the hotel, while Jim, Jan, and I continued on our trek to Takamatsu No Ike Pond. Although it was frozen over in most places, the ducks and geese didn't seem to mind. The sign said that this pond is one of the most beautiful places in Japan when the cherry trees are in bloom.</div>
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Later, the Sonosians went out to dinner together, which pretty much fills up any restaurant. Most places don't have large seating areas, sometimes only 10-15 people can be seated. This one was a little larger. Yummy udon, rice bowls, soba, curry, beer!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-21145921810883672562012-12-14T05:35:00.000-08:002012-12-14T05:35:19.956-08:00Alone in KyotoKyoto was the ancient Japanese capital. I was told by others that it was a highlight of their visits to Japan, so I took the better part of a day in Itami/Osaka to make my way to the city.<br />
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Just traveling to Kyoto by way of Osaka was an adventure. This was my first solo outing on Japan Railway Co (JR) lines. I did some research and Google selected the optimum trains, assuming I was departing right away. I noted the trains, but when I walked to the Itami JR station I was confronted by a number of similar trains, but none exactly as Google described. I was on my own! I resolved to get to Osaka, then disembark and get my bearings to move on to Kyoto.<br />
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I consulted the route map, purchased fare for Kyoto, determined which trains/platforms were bound for Osaka, and kept a close eye on the electronic display for the stops (displayed in both Japanese and Roman script) while referring to the wall chart.<br />
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I arrived at the incredibly busy Osaka station (the greater Osaka area has 18 million population) and followed the color coding to the Kyoto Line and got on a train - still a bit unsure. Then the weirdness began. The train's electronic display kept presenting the same station name repeatedly, plus stating "Next Stop - Kyoto" repeatedly. I could only peer out the window at each platform stop to double check the station name. Finally we began to approach a large station and the tracks spread out into a large switchyard and many platforms. Kyoto at last! My trip from Itami city had taken about an hour, as expected.<br />
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Kyoto has so many landmarks, there was no way to see it all on foot in one day. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I already planned to head due north to the ancient Imperial Palace, and catch whatever sights I could on the way. I was a bit startled by the scope of the city - it was big and bustling. I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"> was expecting something a bit quieter, like Kamakura. </span><br />
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I set out in the cold and wind toward my objective. It wasn't long before I saw my first landmark. A huge temple was on the main road just north of the JR station. Barn-like shelters had been constructed over several temple buildings to protect them during long term restoration work.<br />
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I pressed on toward the Imperial grounds. It turned out to be over two miles from the station. The grounds were a half mile wide and one mile long, but strangely vacant. A few walked their dogs in the wide, wind swept gravel thoroughfares. Official vehicles slowly patrolled the walls of the Imperial Palace.<br />
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The palace itself was closed to visitors, so I satisfied myself with visiting some of the shrines and a mansion.<br />
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The medieval Japanese house had ceiling beams below my forehead - clearly occupied by people considerably shorter than 6' 1". <br />
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Now getting hungry and more than a bit tired, I turned back to the station. Along the way I saw a building with a strange concrete form on the roof, public art of sorts.<br />
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I pressed on for my hours ride home on the rush hour trains.<br />
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Kyoto is far too broad for a spontaneous trip and really needs more time, but I had no regrets. Maybe I can return someday with friends.<br />
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Warren TenBrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03479196146620559391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-41639987029349479822012-12-13T18:04:00.002-08:002012-12-13T18:04:52.935-08:00Backstage conversationWe don't just ring bells in Sonos. We also engage in all sorts of interesting conversations. Before yesterday's concert, the topic turned to diet soda (that's pop to some of you) ingredients, specifically all that stuff about phenylketonuria and what that is exactly. Being the professorial sort, I explained that phenylketonuria (PKU) is not an ingredient, but a disease. Well, it's been about 30 years since I first learned about that in college, so my explanation was pretty rusty. So, today, I offer a better one.<br />
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<img alt="" height="119" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Aspartame.svg/200px-Aspartame.svg.png" width="200" />Aspartame<br />
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<img alt="" height="99" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/Phenylalanin_-_Phenylalanine.svg/180px-Phenylalanin_-_Phenylalanine.svg.png" width="180" />Phenylanaline<br />
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The artificial sweetener called aspartame (aka Nutrasweet) is made of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylanaline. Some people are born with a genetic defect that causes their body to turn phenylanaline into another compound, phenylketone, too much of which can cause mental retardation, seizures, and other problems. People with PKU can avoid all symptoms by limiting phenylanaline in the diet. Thus, the warning on the diet soda: "Phenylketonurics: contains phenylanaline." There may be other adverse health effects from aspartame, but the science is far from clear.<br />
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OK, putting my bell ringing hat back on. Next stop is Sendai, then on to Tokyo.Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01463635309706964223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-80969842857218718622012-12-13T07:59:00.003-08:002012-12-13T07:59:48.048-08:00Oh you guys! I woke up this morning like every other morning since our tour began, way too early and really hungry. A few of us went for a short walk and had breakfast at Bread's Court. I had a really tasty pigs in a blanket, a really fluffy (probably not as bad for you) cinnamon twist, unlike what we think of in America. A slice of pizza that had the normal pizza sauce and cheese but with corn (yes! corn), jalapeños and ham and a iced vanilla latte. We shared a few other things among each other and finished off each others food if one of us was too full. I headed back to the hotel and packed so that I would be ready for the 11pm luggage pick-up.<br />
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Around 3:30 we all walked (as carefully as possible over the snow and black ice) over to our concert hall. We began our normal routine of a quick tech and spiking of tables, foam and prepping our equipment tables. I got into a bit of a funk and sorta kept to myself. Much easier that way, at least for me.<br />
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We began the concert and I was still in my weird mood. I didn't even understand why I felt this way. We get to our final number, Radetzky March and everyone sets up for the song and then Jim turns around and announces to the audience, in Japanese, that it was my birthday and that they were going to sing to me. Of course I don't speak but 5 words of Japanese and had no clue what was going on and before I knew it, Cheryl was whisking me away to the front of the stage. The audience began to clap for me and I being the ham that I am, took it in full stride.<br />
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The rest of Sonos played our rendition of Happy Birthday as 800 of my "closest friends" sang along. I can't remember the last time I've smiled so wide and so uncontrollably! It kicked that funky mood right out the door! How special is it to be sang to in a beautiful concert hall in Japan by some of my closest friends and a lot of complete strangers? Well I can say without a doubt, it was very special and I will never forget it. I'm so fortunate to be able to travel abroad and to do one of the things I love the most.<br />
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After we all got back to the hotel, Warren went on a hunt for birthday sweets and came back with Sapporo and bourbon. Oh and of course ice cream for everyone and a little cake for me. Jim and I went out and got more ice cream...to share with everyone. :-) We all sat in the hotel wedding chapel/lobby and enjoyed our treats together.<br />
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I've come a long way since my first season with Sonos and I <b>owe you guys!</b> a lot. You've mentored me and cared for me and watched me grow into who I am now and I will never take that for granted. I consider all of you my family, we definitely act like one, and I am more than happy to spend a large chunk of the holiday season with you.<br />
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I love you all very much.Marquisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450893094715365984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-72284106908405729482012-12-12T21:56:00.001-08:002012-12-12T21:56:43.787-08:00My seat on the train...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"><div>
This is the seventh time that Sonos has toured Japan, but it's my first. Michèle calls us first-timers "newbies." Everyone in the group really looks out for each other, but they are especially vigilant with the newbies. </div>
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Cheryl, months ago during rehearsal breaks and car rides, would talk about what to expect, what to pack, how the money works. All the things that have nothing to do with the music and everything to do with a successful tour. </div>
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Michèle gave us all our first lesson in riding the bullet train today. It only stops for two minutes, so you need to get on the train first, and worry about finding your seat afterwards. Always making sure no one is left behind. </div>
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Sunghee has been graciously sharing her Japanese language skills, especially when we are trying to order food in restaurants.</div>
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Marquise is always the gentleman, giving up his seat when there aren't enough, an outstretched hand to steady someone where there is a patch of ice.</div>
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Patty keeps us all laughing with her wickedly dry sense of humor and grounded by her calm and steady presence. </div>
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Jason is so quick to notice and to complement you on the little things—the things that make such a difference.</div>
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And Diane is quick to reassure you when you are fretting about the tiny imperfections that pepper our live performances. </div>
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Lois is ready with a quick wink when the nerves threaten to overwhelm or a quiet word when that is just what you need. </div>
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Tess just lays it all out there so you can pick up what you need, and leave the rest. </div>
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So, yes, Barbara, Joe and I may be newbies, but there is a collective spirit of knowledge and caring holding us up, supporting us, making it easy to come together and make music. </div>
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So I'm on the train...somewhere there's a seat with my name on it.</div>
</span>gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02575809692017253252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-13719693894452828302012-12-12T03:37:00.004-08:002012-12-12T03:37:35.095-08:00Backstage at Uonuma<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's a peak behind the scenes in Uonuma City's Koidego Culture Hall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the dressing room before the concert, we share bento boxes for dinner.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFqvrADwwjDK6qqaSjIKD5xJmTizZiBYD9aLQ5KJFKWvoYwZxKdTrwfhPn1If5cNqMtQ6Ih2KmIfEprJ-wOA3sJziFTPpMuWDzq-hZiL7PwJ9-NfzFgZdj06uAz4u4rSje7ttULkHCNgv/s1600/2012_12_11+UonumaKoidego07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFqvrADwwjDK6qqaSjIKD5xJmTizZiBYD9aLQ5KJFKWvoYwZxKdTrwfhPn1If5cNqMtQ6Ih2KmIfEprJ-wOA3sJziFTPpMuWDzq-hZiL7PwJ9-NfzFgZdj06uAz4u4rSje7ttULkHCNgv/s320/2012_12_11+UonumaKoidego07.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At many halls, we get to sign the walls backstage. It's a fun way to see who's been there before, and to make our mark.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eLf23mn6CTxmfxc3J-_iedyuUTnWUj9ZA5EhZ2PltOU1ZXPPFQ0OSZk806QlU9ujRP-CHBarxRxEzajUy6Yk8MjAx-wkBpbYRj4vzXbH462oclBwm2moWSCy9wqtUhuE1zDWHSbjXeZS/s1600/2012_12_11+UonumaKoidego08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eLf23mn6CTxmfxc3J-_iedyuUTnWUj9ZA5EhZ2PltOU1ZXPPFQ0OSZk806QlU9ujRP-CHBarxRxEzajUy6Yk8MjAx-wkBpbYRj4vzXbH462oclBwm2moWSCy9wqtUhuE1zDWHSbjXeZS/s320/2012_12_11+UonumaKoidego08.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bLwj5AxJk0GbEyONgNT2xUZh8aZqAfRreELI5EJNZPcb4KEF4cR-FyBv1BoN83FRYcKBsD9qY5oZWuoHXZQFSfvCKGs9PKr5lI7ioUcAKMA_1a5jjgPOuEsXcD2W2jAYuQdThDg_MkgB/s1600/2012_12_11+UonumaKoidego09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bLwj5AxJk0GbEyONgNT2xUZh8aZqAfRreELI5EJNZPcb4KEF4cR-FyBv1BoN83FRYcKBsD9qY5oZWuoHXZQFSfvCKGs9PKr5lI7ioUcAKMA_1a5jjgPOuEsXcD2W2jAYuQdThDg_MkgB/s320/2012_12_11+UonumaKoidego09.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This hall had a whole taiko drum set. I mean a WHOLE lot of drums - all sizes - plus equipment, stands, beaters, etc. Jason got to play one - backstage only as sound effects - during the Sonos staged set-up routine we call "Rhapsody in View." He was so happy!</span></div>
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Here's a view of the hall from the stage. Every seat had a fantastic view.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHHG5QvqP2AVFEXka2OxS31l3RDkfuLtp_A5BJcoy5iefZHPOrSQvT4JhDWg0T6k1WDPBYCXw3-fyloCS2II_E-iX9eE5H57QenV1xau3k_L5zFA1b9BiCjDKYRshzXDwX_gmnqYR1UQe/s1600/2012_12_11+UonumaKoidego11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHHG5QvqP2AVFEXka2OxS31l3RDkfuLtp_A5BJcoy5iefZHPOrSQvT4JhDWg0T6k1WDPBYCXw3-fyloCS2II_E-iX9eE5H57QenV1xau3k_L5zFA1b9BiCjDKYRshzXDwX_gmnqYR1UQe/s320/2012_12_11+UonumaKoidego11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, no photography is allowed in the Japanese halls during performances. We're going to have to find a way to get pictures of us in another way.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-84499333124705494642012-12-12T00:17:00.001-08:002012-12-12T00:17:30.490-08:00Niigata, bullet trains and snow.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYseNzxBF6NqUtjE8B1ZvbRCesvchY1xaDjbtwSK8D51tXSd2cy_HcCeWxWMzO0pQKatVxxyBXMq6JhG586UfkuGQrM_3dYzVWsabp92F2PTg-Zr-ogEorhnKH45a9wUBzIororTyPZY/s1600/Warren+Niigata+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYseNzxBF6NqUtjE8B1ZvbRCesvchY1xaDjbtwSK8D51tXSd2cy_HcCeWxWMzO0pQKatVxxyBXMq6JhG586UfkuGQrM_3dYzVWsabp92F2PTg-Zr-ogEorhnKH45a9wUBzIororTyPZY/s1600/Warren+Niigata+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYseNzxBF6NqUtjE8B1ZvbRCesvchY1xaDjbtwSK8D51tXSd2cy_HcCeWxWMzO0pQKatVxxyBXMq6JhG586UfkuGQrM_3dYzVWsabp92F2PTg-Zr-ogEorhnKH45a9wUBzIororTyPZY/s1600/Warren+Niigata+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYseNzxBF6NqUtjE8B1ZvbRCesvchY1xaDjbtwSK8D51tXSd2cy_HcCeWxWMzO0pQKatVxxyBXMq6JhG586UfkuGQrM_3dYzVWsabp92F2PTg-Zr-ogEorhnKH45a9wUBzIororTyPZY/s1600/Warren+Niigata+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYseNzxBF6NqUtjE8B1ZvbRCesvchY1xaDjbtwSK8D51tXSd2cy_HcCeWxWMzO0pQKatVxxyBXMq6JhG586UfkuGQrM_3dYzVWsabp92F2PTg-Zr-ogEorhnKH45a9wUBzIororTyPZY/s1600/Warren+Niigata+Bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYseNzxBF6NqUtjE8B1ZvbRCesvchY1xaDjbtwSK8D51tXSd2cy_HcCeWxWMzO0pQKatVxxyBXMq6JhG586UfkuGQrM_3dYzVWsabp92F2PTg-Zr-ogEorhnKH45a9wUBzIororTyPZY/s320/Warren+Niigata+Bath.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We're in Morioka now, but only after much adventure that involved lots of snow. After an arduous, snowy bus ride to our concert venue, we played a great concert to a small, enthusiastic, and decidedly intrepid audience. Can't believe they came out in that weather. It was snowing when we left the hotel, and snowed harder and harder on through the evening. We got on the bus after the concert and had to sit for 2 1/2 hours to wait for an accident to clear. Everyone was incredibly patient. We finally got back to Niigata after 2:00 a.m., then had to be up and on our way to Morioka this morning. <br />
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Here's Warren in the little bathroom in Niigata. <br />
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This is our hotel in Niigata.<br />
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And the Niigata personhole cover.<br />
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Niigata fishing boats..... <br />
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Here's Warren at the end of the walk along the river in Niigata. Ferry terminal is across the way to the right.<br />
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Bicycles at the train station. There are thousands of bikes here. Nobody wears a helmet. Bikes are left unlocked. <br />
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Here's Warren in front of our bullet train. This is one of the newer models. Very sleek. Warren is sleek, too, but not as new as the train. ; )<br />
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And, here's a train conductor. Uniforms are big here. <br />
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This little guy was on one of the trains. It's cold here, but no real penguins. </div>
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Here's a snowy scene outside the bullet train. Not bad as we zip along at around 130 mph. </div>
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No monkey sightings yet, but I am ever watchful.<br />
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<br />Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01463635309706964223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7516148158967150141.post-64530156810139121682012-12-12T00:04:00.004-08:002012-12-12T00:05:16.391-08:00The Show Must Go OnTuesday proved to be not unlike a typical high school band trip. Call time moved up 1.5 hours with very little notice. Hoping we reached everyone (text, email, handwritten notes passed by hotel staff), we started loading the bus and headed out. The highway was closed (SNOW!) so we had to go the "back way" through small towns in blizzard conditions. <br />
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Our 90 minute trip took 3.5 hours and showed me snow I have only ever seen in photographs. Surely the Grinch lives in these top heavy, curling over, snow laden trees! Though I never saw the "mean one," I did see folks shoveling 5-6 feet of snow off their rooftops, plows and blowers moving snow from one place it doesn't belong to another, and the most beautiful fruit laden persimmon trees, leafless and dripping with deep orange fruit and snow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honey, will this fit in the living room?</td></tr>
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On arrival at our mountain town performing arts center, Koidego Culture Hall in Uonuma, we unloaded, set up, ran tech and lighting, and prayed folks would brave the weather to come hear us play. We played a great concert to a relatively small but very appreciative crowd while the snow continued to fall. Afterward we invited the attendees to our "petting zoo" where they were all too eager to get their own hands on our instruments. Manning the bass tables, my job quickly turned into whisking a bell off the table before a guest put his down on top of it! I needed a sign that says "the bells don't like to touch each other!" Most remarked "sugoi!" (heavy) and marveled at my picking it up with relative ease. For many, the bell was nearly as big as they were!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkin7rY0C8zvFfgbWYpNZjC_uRHrJlG57CDX7l1jv2R2SsgCvw9dncMCeO8C9r3IH1oFMdKTHb44n77TVYZSJtjGfs6UxvESLArcGA-smf_uhu1OCxjpFPeH3d278JhKbJKubq2IkJ6zWO/s1600/2012+12+11+Japan+Niigata+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkin7rY0C8zvFfgbWYpNZjC_uRHrJlG57CDX7l1jv2R2SsgCvw9dncMCeO8C9r3IH1oFMdKTHb44n77TVYZSJtjGfs6UxvESLArcGA-smf_uhu1OCxjpFPeH3d278JhKbJKubq2IkJ6zWO/s320/2012+12+11+Japan+Niigata+028.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheryl, Joe, Patti, and me!</td></tr>
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So, in my mind it's ok with me to sleep on the concert hall floor and drive back in the daylight. But good news, the highway is open! We get on the bus and drive what seems to be a block or two and then wait. and wait. News! We're waiting for the snow plow. Boy this snow plow is taking a long time. But this group doesn't need a karaoke machine for fun, so sing we do, everything from Chicago to "Joy to the World" (and the fishes in the deep blue sea!) and "Snowflakes (Raindrops) Keep Falling on my Head," our age showing a bit. An hour later...news! The snow plow has been in a collision with a car and we are waiting for a tow vehicle. The singing and conversation fade as I drift off to sleep. Two and a half hours after boarding the bus, we are finally on our way. I should have called Mom to tell her I would be late! The highway is open, I am back to sleep and the hotel appears quickly. Maybe it was all a dream.Barbara Meinkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09242464304886791010noreply@blogger.com0