Chicago Day 1

So, we met at 6:15 at the field house at West, and without a hitch we were on the bus - 57 West Salem students and parents off to Chicago for 6 days and 5 nights. The comfy OC&W bus took us up to PDX in record time. Trip Czar clocked the check-in process from bus through security at 40 minutes - smashing!!!

The flight was quick and easy... then, Chicago!!! A balmy 68 degrees when we landed, we soon learned what humitidy feels like. Our bus driver Shirl (sp?) wisked us away to VanderCook College of Music where we were lucky enough to rehearse both groups. At 7:30pm we took part in a big side-by-side concert consisting of Vandercook college students, 2 high schools other than us, and a wonderful performance of Beethoven 5th symphony 1st movement by a YOURS project (inner city youth orchestra) symphony.

Then about 400 of us or so played Stars 'n Stripes forever. We learned that Vandercook College of Music students learn to play all different instruments - for example; if you are a violin major (Education), you take 2 semesters of a brass or wind instrument and play in the orchestra.

At 9pm CST we left for the beautiful Westin hotel. After a quick check in we ran to Target to fill up on breakfast and nibble supplies. The 11pm lights out call came quick. Doors were taped, and 57 Oregonians drifted off to sleep in their Heavenly beds (love the Westin beds!)

Quote of the day #1 - Do you have your banana?
Quote of the day #2 - Hey, how would you like it if I looked at your bottom? (Seen on the bottom of our Jimmy Lunch boxes).

This morning we're up and off to the Sears tower... 52 degrees is the high projected today. Signing off from Illinois
~Ms S