Dr. Christopher Bade, Orchestra Director at Taylor University in Indiana, had the following comments about his experiences conducting a performance and ministry outreach tour in Ireland last month with his ensemble. How pleased were you with the following performance experiences? Concert at Castalia Hall in the Ballytobin Camphill Community
All we had hoped for and more…we learned a great deal from John Clark [Events Manager and music therapist at the community] and we felt a great kinship with the community, its mission and its people.Taylor University Orchestra Performance
Shared Concert at University College, Cork
A wonderful setting with a small but appreciative audience.
Taylor University Orchestra Concert Poster
Shared Concert in aid of the Friends of St. Luke’s at Oatlands College
The audience was incredible…large, energetic, hungry for our talented students, and most appreciative!
How pleased were you with your Tour Manager, Will Collins?
Will was outstanding in every way! Let mention just a few of his outstanding characteristics: personable, prompt, professional, gracious, knowledgeable about all things Ireland and open in every communication with any/every member of our group. I would recommend Will to anyone visiting Ireland, the UK or any place with which he is familiar. We could not have had a better tour manager.Taylor University Orchestra in Ireland
How did the transportation on this tour meet your needs?
Motorcoach: Outstanding in every way; modern coach was clean and well maintained. Motorcoach Driver: Tommy M. was completely trustworthy, professional and courteous; we could not imagine a more wonderful driver.
How pleased were you with your accommodations?
Fitzwilton Hotel – excellent hotel with EXCEPTIONAL meals.
Overall, how pleased were you with the sightseeing?
Everyone in our group loved seeing/touring Ireland. A majority of us have insisted on returning to the Emerald Isle.
What was your personal highlight? What was the highlight for the performers?
Too many highlights to name but one…sharing this trip of a lifetime with my wife as chaperone ranks highly; making music with the exceptional young people of Taylor University is always a highlight but seeing how God used the music and musicians as a positive ministry is a particular highlight that transcends this trip yet it was clearly identified on this trip; many small miracles transpired (the smiles on the faces of the children and residents at Camphill Ballytobin, the rhythmical clapping and foot stomping at Oatlands College, the tears in my eyes during the Nimrod variation at Colaiste are but a few) The experience was greater than any expectation I/we could have had…to take in the beauty of the land, the warmth of the people, the hospitality of a nation, the wonder of sharing music and the Gospel to a world in need – all of this combined to make a journey of a lifetime.
Taylor University Orchestra in Ireland
Dr. Christopher Bade Orchestra Director Taylor University Follow this link to learn more about the American Celebration of Music in Ireland concert series.