> Back to Tour home
MAY 23, 2004 - PRAGUE

By Chris Skoog, Drake Choir Logistics Manager and sophomore bass

Waking up this morning, though later than most mornings, was not at all easy. My lethargy was most likely derived from the first confrontation with bad weather that we've had all tour. There have been a few showers here and there, but it is cold and rainy in Prague today-a bit like Des Moines in March.

Erik Lane and I enjoyed breakfast at the hotel this morning and then came to the realization that the next twelve hours were going to be truly action-filled. As we left the hotel, the rain let up a bit, but the wind remained. There was a marathon going on in the city center. For a few blocks, we felt like marathoners in tuxedos.

As we journeyed towards the city center, we encountered many people out and about shopping and eating. People passing by were speaking in so many languages. Seeing people of so many different nationalities made me feel like I was in an international airport terminal.

Fine pieces of glass, crystal, and many other goods are far cheaper than in Vienna; even in the touristy areas, prices are low. Paying for things with Czech crowns is merely a simple computation for me. Maybe that's why I'm an accounting and finance major. Some people take a little more time to figure it out and sometimes they just don't care; but one does have to realize that there is a greater potential for getting ripped off if you don't stop and do the math.

After purchasing a few things and taking in the sights of the city center, our rehearsal at noon was challenging as it was our first time singing again after such a great concert given the night before. Rehearsal eventually got us where we needed to be. During the rehearsal, it was easy to see that people were captivated by the pure sound of us. Many of the audience members cannot read our program or understand the English, but they listen anyway.

The concert was a pure success, with a great audience. Justin Gill's parents were among them, having flown in from Rockford, IL, the day before. Afterwards, I talked with people from Holland, who said our choir was absolutely perfect. In general, the audience seemed delighted with our performance.

The weather improved a bit for awhile for our afternoon of free time. I stayed in the city center for a bit and continued to take in the sights and checked out a few more shops. I enjoyed a dinner of snail-stuffed chicken. I've never had snails before, but I must say they were very fine-weird texture, though!

At 5:30 p.m. we gathered again in front of the astronomical clock in the Old Town Square and then made our way as a group to the site of our evening concert. Antonin Dvorak's great-granddaughter, who studied at Drake for a year (1999-2000), made the arrangements for us to perform at the Clementinum, the Czech National Library. The hall was very beautiful and had wonderful acoustics. I loved singing in this place the most. This space is usually reserved for only the best performers in the world.

At the end of our concert the audience applauded so wildly and for so long that we did an encore. They really did love us! This concert alone will provide lasting memories that I'll carry with me wherever I go.

The Drake Choir's performance was our reward for persevering through tough times and uphill battles. We've clearly come out on top. The choir was one tonight and that's how it's supposed to be and feel every concert.

> Photos