Beijing Article 2

Hey! That other article came out yesterday! I'll put it up on the blog. Again, I hope this isn't illegal.

http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_9802442?source=most_emailed


Aragon High musicians play on Great Wall of China

By Neil GonzalesSAN MATEO — Tara had never traveled outside the country before. But during one hazy, humid day just before lunchtime, she found herself sitting on the Great Wall of China with her flute.
Under a looming, pagoda-like structure, she and about 145 other Aragon High School musicians performed in front of Chinese crowds in Beijing on the ancient, winding landmark.
"The Great Wall was incredible," the 18-year-old said. "I never thought I'd be able to do that."
Last month, the school's orchestra, choir and band ensembles visited China for 10 days to perform several concerts as part of cultural festivals leading up to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games this summer.
Tara was among only a handful of students who participated in all three ensembles led by musical directors David Martin and Troy Davis. She played flute for the orchestra and band and sang in the choir.
Tara said she felt nervous early on during the Great Wall concert because she had to play a solo in one of the orchestra's pieces, but she got through the solo fine and was able to relax for the rest of the show.
The choir sang several numbers, including songs in Chinese.
"For me, it was challenging," Tara said of the Chinese songs. "The vowels were pretty tricky. They go in different directions. But I think we did pretty well."
Among several instrumental tunes, the band performed the host country's national anthem during which the
San Mateo County TimesChinese spectators "started to sing the lyrics to the music," she said. "That was exciting."
The students also played at Peking University with their performance recorded to be aired on Chinese television, Tara said.
"Events like these are seldom held (at) Peking University (considered by many as the Harvard of China)," said an entry in the blog www.jerryworks.net/aragon about the China tour, "so it was an honor to be invited to play at the Concert Hall. Larger-than-life posters adorned the streets outside the hall, advertising the event, and the auditorium was filled to near capacity. First up was the Huaxia Chamber Ensemble from the China Conservatory of Music, playing a selection of traditional, folk and opera music. The (Aragon) orchestra followed with a rousing rendition of 'A Beijing Overture.' The choir followed with a beautiful performance of 'I Am Not Yours.' And finally the band concluded the evening with the ever crowd-pleasing 'Stars and Stripes Forever.'"
The students donated their portion of the proceeds from the university concert to victims of the recent devastating earthquake in China, Tara said.
"I think it's good we put it to a good cause."
The Aragon group planned for the China trip for a year, doing local fund-raising events to finance their trip. Families also contributed money.
"It was a financial effort for all of us," said Tara's father, Larry. "But what a wonderful investment that they could do this. It's expanding their minds. It makes me a little jealous that she knows a lot more about the world than I do now."
The students, accompanied by about 50 parents and teachers, also enjoyed plenty of sightseeing in China, learning another culture up-close.
They hiked the Great Wall, rode on rickshaws, saw pandas at the zoo, dropped by silk and jade factories, and walked in the Forbidden City.
"I did have a good time even though the culture was quite a bit different from ours," Tara said.