From America 2

Our first full day in the USA saw us assemble at 9.00am at the Presbyterian Church in Newton for our first joint rehearsal with our hosts of the Sussex County Youth Orchestra. The combined Orchestra rehearsed in the large church hall under maestroes Barclay and Tedesco, whilst the St Bede's Choir were in the Church itself with Chris Dixon and Robert Scamardella. Both groups were worked hard but, after a welcome refreshment break of 'donuts' and cold drinks, made huge progress by lunchtime. Lunch was taken under the shade of the trees outside and was followed for most by a trip to a local ice cream parlour with whom a discount deal had been arranged. Service was slow under the onslaught of so many young people but the results well worth the wait. The 90F heat was broken on the walk back to the Church by an instantly torrential rainstorm. Never have we seen raindrops so big! After a short seperate session we came together for Sussex by the Sea and When You Believe. The results were so encouraging that our taskmasters declared an early finish to the rehearsals and by shortly after 4.00 pm host families had collected everyone for evenings at home.

Despite the very hot and humid conditions in the non-air conditioned hall great work was done, and it was clear that real transatlantic friendships have already been forged.