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Thanks to Ken Noble, the host for the 2004 reunion, the chorus had a fun experience in Mesa Arizona. It was a privilege and honor to meet two of the original chorus members who served in 1963. Other attendees served in 1997 and all years in-between. Our first rehearsal started promptly at 2:00 on Friday July 30th at the Mormon temple choir rehearsal hall. We quickly re-familiarized ourselves with the repertoire for the weekend concerts.
The titles included: Star Spangled Banner, Service Medley, Army Song, Dog Faced Soldier, Ich Hab Mein Herz in Heidelberg Verloren, God Bless America, The Corps, Shoene Maid, Let Us Break Bread Together, Drinking Song, Mountain Dew, Elijah Rock, Pick a Little, Talk a Little, Vive L'Amour, God Bless the USA, and Battle Hymn of the Republic.
This was some list of songs and many were new to some members, but the talent definitely outweighed the barrier of learning new music and everyone got right in and sang. After the first day of practice we were uncertain if we could pull off a performance that would equate to our days in Germany, but after a few beers and laughter at the Zurkate German restaurant with our comrades, our inhibitions were diminished. Along with a man who played the accordion to several German songs, we had the opportunity to perform a few of our German numbers for the restaurant guests and servers. "PROST" - It took us all back to days of past and many shared their chorus experiences of performing and traveling with the group.
Saturday, July 31st, we met for breakfast at the Hotel then went back to the rehearsal hall for more needed practice! Despite John Schmitt's comments that he was overlooking a LOT of musical errors, the music was actually starting to come together nicely! Our first performance was at the Arizona State Veteran's Home in Phoenix at 2:00. Upon arrival to the home, any performance jitters were outweighed by the scorching heat. 107 degrees was nothing to laugh about! It was hot to most, ok, all..., but the natives took it in stride. We set up the room and invited our veterans for a show they would never forget! Where was our choreographer? We couldn't figure out how to line up at all... ahhh, just like the old days. Someone finally took charge and we lined up outside the way we would stand on the stage - Good move! The music started and we marched into the room for our first performance. It was exciting and we sang our hearts out. The veterans really did enjoy the music and our company and were eager to talk to us about their days in the service!
Back out into the heat, but this time to sample some of Arizona's best Mexican food at Poncho's Mexican Buffet. This all-you-can-eat banquet left many wishing they passed on the extra taquitos and floutas. It was good food and a new taste to many who have not experienced southwestern cuisine. Chuck offered a hand cart to help roll us out, but we managed to get back to the hotel to dress and freshen up for our performance at the Mesa First Christian Church. We followed each other from the hotel to the church flawlessly by looking out for the American flags we each had on our vehicles. We managed to park "dress-right-dress" in the parking lot. It looked very official! The church welcomed us with patriotic decorations and many anxiously awaited our concert. We had mastered our line-up from earlier that day and then, the moment we all were waiting for..., our performance began with the traditional "vamp" music that we marched to, to enter the stage. We started the service medley with powerful chords. We also included introductions of who we were, where we are from and the years we were in the Chorus. The audience was questioned to see who was a veteran and many spoke up. The music enveloped the small chapel and boy, did Elijah Rock! It was an emotional experience for many. All stood for the Battle Hymn out of respect and thanks. After our performance, we were offered goodies provided by many church members. (Mmmmmm)
We came, we saw, we sang, then we all met up at the Noble's house for schmoozing and such. Many had the opportunity to listen to some newer chorus tunes from 1991 - 1996. It was a different sound than some had been accustomed to, with electric guitars and drums, but through much conversation we realized that we shared many of the same experiences of traveling, performing, making friends and sharing music. Our love for music has brought us all together for this annual event. We look forward to years to come where we can continue to bring a message of peace and friendship, through music.
Thank you to all who made this reunion a success!
Till we meet again in 2005,
Auf Wiedersehen!
