Our final day in Europe. It was full of excitement, but at the end of the day, it is difficult to think about the fact that it is all over. In some ways it feels like yesterday that we said goodbye to family and friends at the airport. In other ways, thinking about our first day in Heidelberg feels like so long ago.
Today we began with a performance at the school in Auerbach. The German students were so full of energy and excitement! Especially once the tatoos, key chains, and frisbees were handed out. All three groups performed a short set, and by now, most of the people of Auerbach have figured out how our gigs work. The crowd oo'ed and aw'ed when the band finished with Robin Hood, rode their pretend horses when the choir sang the William Tell Overture, and grooved to the beat of Soul Vaccination once funk band hit the stage. It was a great morning for the band, but also a very emotional one. For some of them, it was the last time they would play together. This is a hard thing when you have invested so much time and effort into something you love so much. Not only is it about what they have accomplished, but who they accomplished it with.
After the concert, students were given some free time in the afternoon. Some chose to go shopping in Auerbach, while others went to the water park. Luckily, it was a beautiful sunny day, so even the cold water couldn't keep us from enjoying ourselves no matter where we were.
The evening was spent in the town of Amberg at a final concert to celebrate the International Youth Music Festival. Students from Canada (our choir), China, and Brazil performed, and put on an incredible show that showcased the talent for their generation. The small towns have been so good to us, and are so incredible excited about the music they are hearing. It is an incredible feeling to bring so much joy to people who do not even speak the same language as you. The theme of the day revolved around the fact that music is an international language. No matter what you speak, even young people can come together and share an experience and understand eachother through music.
It is so sad to think that we depart tomorrow, but also exciting to be coming home to share our stories with all of you. We thank you for following us along on our adventures, and we hope you enjoyed the pieces that you were able to see. There was much more that happened, but we'll fill you in once we arrive in Winnipeg, not too long from now. Until then, vielen dank, and see you soon!
