Good morning from Indiana!  (We literally crossed the border as I opened this post)

We continued our drive through Pennsylvania and finally reached Youngstown, OH about 3:30AM to switch bus drivers.  We have great kids at Valley and this was reaffirmed when a student told me to thank the bus driver if they weren't awake for the switch over.  

Driving and more driving, the sun came up over the beautiful, flat terrain of Ohio.  We stopped for breakfast, bathroom and leg stretching.  As soon as the bus doors opened, a wave of kids rushed off the bus to none other than the Starbucks.  This particular scene reminded me of Paris when Hanna P. walked away with not one but two, venti triple shot caramel macchiato.  Today, she only had one!

We are about 3 hours away from Chicago so I'll update when we get there!

KLAM

Here is a recap from Day 1:

You could tells the kids were excited from the moment they stepped into school today.  Everyone seemed to be buzzing about Chicago (even if they weren't on the trip!).  Students brought their carry-ons into Miss Hilton's room and excitedly made it through the school day.  

Something that most of the kids didn't know was that our buses were ready to go way before anyone was even awake!  Miss Hilton got a  phone call at 6:00 this morning from Mr. Russell saying, "Your buses are here."  The travel company mistakenly put down AM and not PM.  I'm sure the bus drivers were happy to have some extra time for the long drive ahead. 

We received another interesting speed bump around 2:00, which has changed our schedule for tomorrow and Friday.  I'll post an updated schedule when we get to the hotel tomorrow.

The buses arrived at 4:15 and we immediately began loading instruments.  The arranging of instruments was seriously a life-sized game of tetris.  Moving this here, adjusting there, putting that on top of that over here...we packed this bay like pros.  Big thanks to Dan R. for organizing bags and instruments.  Shortly after, we got on all the luggage with room to spare!  After a short delay on bus 3, all of us were on our way to Chicago!  DVDs were quickly popped into the on board player and the bus 3 seniors picked Back to the Future Part I.  I'm pretty sure I enjoyed this movie more than most of the kids on the bus, am I starting to feel a bit old?! Bus 2 started off with Lilo and Stitch and I haven't had a chance to catch up with bus 1, yet.  

After departing Deep River, we hopped right onto I-95 for a straight shot down the shoreline and into NY, NJ and now, PA.  We stopped at exactly 9:00 for a quick stretch and "short" food stop.  As we got off the exit, the not-so-familiar blue and yellow lights appeared over the coach bus seats and I heard, "OMG, it's a Sonic! I've never seen one before,  I need to take a picture!"  Maybe we didn't need to go to Chicago for a cultural experience, just next door to Bartonsville, PA!  

All kidding aside, the trip thus far has been as smooth as a well-played musical phrase (I had to...).  The buses are gorgeous, with bright LED lights, immaculate bathrooms, flat screen TVs, personal electrical outlets AND wifi...well, only Bus 3 has wifi (which is how I'm blogging right now).  Sorry buses 1 and 2 :0(.  

We're back on the road headed towards Youngstown, PA where we will switch bus drivers and drive until Chicago.  I'll post pictures as wel go but all the kids are well and happy that our bus ride is no longer 24+ hours!  Bus 3's bedtime movie of choice, Ratatouille.  Goodnight everyone!

KLAM

Bags packed, instruments loaded, kids enjoying the free wifi and their own personal electrical outlet...we are on our way. Sort of. Bus 1 and 2 have pulled forward but bus 3 is just making sure our bus is at full capacity. No worries, just double checking. I'll check in with more information as I get it!

CHICAGO, HERE WE COME!

KLAM

As I'm posting this, all three buses are en route to Youngstown, OH for a change of bus drivers!

The clock hit 3 and the kids rushed into the auditorium to await directions and begin carry-on check in. A buzz (more like a roar) of excitement fills the auditorium as we embark on out journey to Chicago. For many, this trip will be the first time out of the northeast. For other, they could do this trip in their sleep (hopefully lots of sleep on the buses tonight).

At 430, we will board the buses and at 5 we leave for Illinois. Stay tuned for more updates.

KLAM

Can you believe it?! At 4:30 tomorrow afternoon, the VRHS bands an choirs will be hoping on a coach bus for a quick 24 hour bus ride to Chicago, IL...(actually, our hotel is in Oak Brook but who's keeping track?)! We have our final dress rehearsals tonight starting at 4PM (to 430) with the Concert Band followed by the Jazz Band (440-5) and Percussion Ensemble (510-530). Luggage check ins will start at 4PM with the choir, followed by the band. Bus locations will be clearly marked in the auditorium and band room.

The groups are sounding amazing and we are excited to share our music with Chicago, IL! Check back often for updated and pictures!

KLAM

I know, I know...you must be like, "What else can Mr. Lam add to this website?!"  And honestly...I don't think there is anything else I can add to this website!  This blog will be a great place for parents and friends to check up on the happenings with the VRHS Band...especially when we go on our trip this coming May.  As of now, I'm trying something new, something different.  Go home and practice!

KLAM