The ABCs of Another Steppe Into Adventure!- Last Africa Ch. + World Showcase Pt. 2

[krysenchips]

So glad to hear about Abu! We live in a mysterious world that puts us in situations that we never would have expected to change our lives but do. I'm so glad that the cancer will not be returning, but that his sight might be!

1. Were you in choir or band in school? If so, what did you play? Totally okay if you weren’t! What did you do for electives instead, if not? Sports? Drama? Snacks and a nap at home?

I was not in choir or band in school, I played softball and volleyball, and majored in business, so I had to do externships (aka have a job) while in school. I kind of regret not having that foundation now that I sing with my church choir (both vocally and as a handbell ringer!), but I am picking up the things that I need to know now!

2. Without Googling and on the honor system, how many places can you find something to eat on Main Street (WDW)? Can you name them? (Because food is as good as music. And food WITH music is best of all!)

The Confectionery, The Plaza, Main Street Bakery, Casey's, The Emporium (because bagged snacks totally count!), Tony's (you never said it had to be good food), Do popcorn carts count? 'cause there is the permanent one down by the train station...

I think that's it, so seven total.

Wait! Isn't Crystal Palace considered to be on Main Street?

So my answer is 8.

3. How many music groups have you stopped to watch for more than 5 minutes in Disney World (name them for a bonus point)? And which one is your favorite? (2 points)

I've only every really stopped for Voices of Liberty, the Dapper Dans, and the Main Street Philharmonic Band ( I think that's their name...).

I would have to say that the Voices of Liberty are my favorite. I am a big fan of a capella music and traditional folk music!

I can't see the pictures while I am at the office , so I will have to PM you the rest later tonight when I get home.

 

[pkondz]

Wonderful news on Abu! So pleased to hear that he is doing so well.


Now to read your latest update.

 

[pkondz]

Or stand very nearby and do a little be-bop.

I like this image. And I've seen you do it!

Preferably with something tasty in hand. It’s how I roll.

A roll is good... but I want something either salty or sweet.

Not to be confused with what you might see when I leave Prime Time or the Hoop.

I forgot you went to Hoop De Do.

It really doesn’t matter if it’s the sound of Big Band, Jazz, Show Tunes, or Piano.

Piano.... love the Piano guy on Main St.

It is a gift my parents gave me that you just can’t put a price tag on, and I’m forever grateful for their love of theater and music they passed along.

Mine tried... It didn't stick as well.

In a no particular, random order let’s start with VOL

I've heard so much about them. I'd love to see them someday.

They are pretty high up on my priority list for October.

Then make sure you take the time to go!

EPCOT also has a German Oom-pah-pah both outside and in the Biergarten

Who doesn't like a few tunes for zee Fatherland?

Moving onto AK, I was able, as you know, to see (AND dance with!) Tam Tam Congo.

Yep! I remember that update.

One, I’ve already shared- the Calypso duo between Pandora and Africa.

Recall that one too. Doesn't sound like they knocked your socks off though.

It is called the Swotu Waya (with 2 of those funky dots over the last a)

Huh... I think I may have seen them, but not sure if I paused to listen. There was probably a line waiting for me to get in it.

the drums set up on the Africa trail- you know which ones I’m talking about, don’t you?

Have a nice pair of photos of Kay there, taken years apart.

You stop and play them too, don’t you? We all have a little bit of 4-year old left in us, don’t we?

Well, I enjoyed it anyway; worth a look-see next time you’re in the area.

I'll keep it in mind... no promises!

The Dapper Dans are legendary.

Okay, so their jokes are of the Dad Joke variety, but we can overlook that, right?

The Dad jokes are what makes them legendary.

I spent a marching band season as drum major one year in high school

Really! Huh. Had no idea.

Sousa floats my boat.

Never heard it quite put that way (about Sousa) before.

Another group (that only performs seasonally during the Christmas Party) is the Reindeer Wranglers.

I may have seen them. Not sure.

I saved my favorite and, IMHO, the best for last- the Piano Guy at Caseys.

Isn't he terrific?

Nothing screams Disney to me more than Ragtime on Main Street. You?

Yes!

Okay, maybe the Trolley Show music

Nope. I never notice that. Wouldn't be able to tell you what it sounds like. Not a clue.

(yes, I’m actually listening to that as I write this)

but what I really love to watch him do is pull the kids in and watch their faces as they are opened up to the world of old timey music making a memory that may last a lifetime. Priceless.

I like that too. It's just a little tiny piece of Disney Magic.

I’ve already shared about my evening spent with Bob Jackson, better known as Yehaa Bob, but will include the photo one more time. Cuz I like it, and it’s my TR.

Sounds legit.

I totally get that not everyone finds the music groups worth pausing for.

It really depends. If I'm rushing, then I don't give it a second glance (or second listen), but if I'm not... then I will definitely pause if the tune is something I like. Doesn't have to be familiar, but it does have to be catchy.

1. Were you in choir or band in school?

Only for the obligatory Christmas choir they did every year. Band... I was a roadie, I guess you could call it for our band that toured several schools when I was in Grade 9.

What did you do for electives instead, if not? Sports? Drama? Snacks and a nap at home?

Didn't have electives of that sort... but I did do a lot of sports. Track, soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton... probably others, but those for sure.

2. Without Googling and on the honor system, how many places can you find something to eat on Main Street (WDW)? Can you name them? (Because food is as good as music. And food WITH music is best of all!)

Without Googling (and I'm running out of time on my break) I can think of the Confectionary, the fancy Starbucks (Main St. Bakery) , Casey's, the Plaza (although I don't really count it as Main St per se), the ice cream parlour where you can get an ice cream sandwich that's as big as your head. And Tony's which I think of more as being in town square than Main St.

3. How many music groups have you stopped to watch for more than 5 minutes in Disney World (name them for a bonus point)? And which one is your favorite? (2 points)

Piano at Casey's (Jim) is really the only one I'll always stop for and listen to. The Dapper Dans too for a bit. Just being honest.

PM me these:

Will later.

Letter M Mystery Photo point added in for those of you who submitted a PM guess. It was indeed from The Land.

Letter L perhaps?

pkondz: 72
docsoliday: 69
Mom3sonstt: 60
Captain_Oblivious: 57
Poolrat: 48
franandaj: 47
Terra Nova Guy: 38
Chrystmasangel: 13
Princess Leia: 9
Amazingact21: 6
Rndmr2: 3

Woot! Leading the pack!

 

[krnelson65]

“Thank you very much for letting me know! That is certainly good news! Let’s keep in touch…”

“Okay, have a great weekend! Good bye.”

That was how the phone call I had with Ahmed on Wednesday ended. I was ecstatic! Really, no news could have warmed my heart more.

Abu has been on my mind for a quite a while, but life has been quite a bit busier than usual with my trip to California, a heavy work schedule and, the extra time I’ve put into studying lately. I’d dropped the ball on getting regular updates on this precious child whose life was turned upside down with the grotesque disfigurement of cancerous tumors. When I first met Abu and his dad in the village of Makeni, I was not very hopeful, to be honest, that we could find treatment for him, let alone find it in time.

Sometimes, God has a purpose that isn’t made clear to us until much later. Now, more than 5 months after returning from one of the least developed and impoverished places on earth, I am certain of the reasons Rebekah and I were sent to Sierra Leone. How much is one life worth?

Invaluable would be the correct answer, but one fateful day last December, a little 9-year old boy was brought to me; I was asked what could be done. Could I help this sweet little boy? With a heavy heart, I told his father that he needed to be taken to Freetown where there might be hope for him- that there was no medicine or treatment that would help him in his tiny little village. Our team collected his contact information and headed back to Freetown and at our next team meeting discussed what might be done. Money was given on the spot for his transportation and initial expenses, and countless hours of trying to find the right care and course of action for him were poured into those efforts. Tireless days, late nights, long, long weeks and months of waiting on answers and tests and treatments by an incompetent and inefficient system were spent by our faithful, dedicated staff in Freetown. Thousands of dollars were raised by YOU, my friends here on the DIS and other social media, for this precious little boy, who without the MIRACLE of your generosity, I’m almost sure, would not have made it. Because of your donations, both large and small, he was able to have several surgeries, and chemo.

And now for an apology and a correction to you….

I was mistaken. I thought (lost in translation, in hindsight) that he LOST the eye, as in they removed it. That was not the case. Today, I am humbled and ecstatic to tell you that Abu is completely healed except for a last couple of issues. The tumor under his eye rendered him blind in that eye, and he needs a surgery to repair the surrounding eye tissue. His doctors are quite hopeful that sight can be restored. The tumors are almost 100% gone and one last little bit on his neck will also be removed. I was told, when I asked point blank what they think the chances are of the cancer returning. I was told… “Zero”. They are wanting the last treatments/surgeries done soon so they can begin to make plans to get him back to his village where he belongs… playing soccer with his friends, learning in school, running and jumping, and living LIFE!

So, from the bottom of my heart, I want to THANK YOU if you played a part in making a miracle happen in West Africa for a little boy we’d never have met if our car hadn’t broken down, if we’d not decided at the last minute to go to Makeni, if we, 2 very ordinary nurses, hadn’t stepped out of our comfort zones and given a bit of our time to make the world a better place. Sure, we delivered massive amounts of medical supplies and taught basic healthcare while we were there, but perhaps, just maybe, we were sent there for a young boy who needed a Divine meeting. You are part of something bigger. Be thankful with me.

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How much can I LOVE this post???

Kim

 

[Steppesister]

Letter L perhaps?

Very quickly... no. I added in your point for guessing Letter L from last chapter. You still have to guess M’s.

 

[MeghanEmily]

I saved my favorite and, IMHO, the best for last- the Piano Guy at Caseys. I could sit and watch this guy all day long and twice on Taco Tuesday. Nothing screams Disney to me more than Ragtime on Main Street. You? Okay, maybe the Trolley Show music (yes, I’m actually listening to that as I write this), but that’s a 5 and half minute show, not the regular BGM of Joplin you’d hear the rest of the time... Okay, I’m getting off track, it’s 4:00 in the morning and it’s getting harder to put words together to make coherent sentences.

Jim, the guy I’ve been seeing for years, can pound out the Maple Leaf Rag or the Entertainer flawlessly, but what I really love to watch him do is pull the kids in and watch their faces as they are opened up to the world of old timey music making a memory that may last a lifetime. Priceless.

Ooohhh Jim I love that this is your "best for last" pick. There's something so magical about his playing on the street, drawing folks in. I've always wanted to stop and make a request sometime. Maybe I'll add that to my list of "to do's" for my solo time next month.

So, in all, I stopped and watched 9 music groups. Not a bad count. And definitely not time wasted.

Fabulous! An excellent use of your time! The musician in me feels my heart growing warm to think of guests enjoying all the musical offerings Disney provides.


And now I continue my pathetic attempt at answering the occasional contest question.

1. Were you in choir or band in school? If so, what did you play? Totally okay if you weren’t! What did you do for electives instead, if not? Sports? Drama? Snacks and a nap at home?

2. Without Googling and on the honor system, how many places can you find something to eat on Main Street (WDW)? Can you name them? (Because food is as good as music. And food WITH music is best of all!)


3. How many music groups have you stopped to watch for more than 5 minutes in Disney World (name them for a bonus point)? And which one is your favorite? (2 points)

1. I was! All of the above! I was a music kid (hence, why I did my bachelor's degree in Music.) I played the piano, and played and sang in my church band. In school I played clarinet in the concert band from grade 6-12. I sang in choirs a few years in school, and also in a girls' choir that my private music teacher led. Once I got into University I played in pep band for football games occasionally, and joined an auditioned choir which I sang in all four years. Some of us were finding by our third year though that even this choir wasn't offering enough inspiration and challenge for those of us who wanted to take it to the next level, so for fourth year I collaborated with one of my professors who agreed to supervise us, and I created a new women's choir called the Melodia Chorus. We got course credit for it, which was pretty sweet, and we did some fun stuff!

I only speak English and some conversational French, but I've sung in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Serbian, Latin...which is absolutely useless to me now in my day-to-day life. When I got out of school, I did a semester singing with an auditioned women's group here in Halifax called Xara. It's a well-respected choral theatre group, and one of the leaders of what's now becoming a more common genre in the arts scene these days. They tell stories and use their performances as advocacy tools, combining choral singing, theatre, choreography, sometimes spoken word poetry, etc., etc. Cool stuff!

I was also a theatre kid growing up. In University, I got to get as close as possible to my childhood dream of being Belle from Beauty and the Beast.

2. Hmmm...I neeeeeever get food on Main Street. Even before my dietary restrictions, for some reason it was just never somewhere we ate as a family. I know of Casey's, and also The Plaza, which is kind of on Main Street-ish. Is there a Starbucks? I feel like there's a Starbucks somewhere. I don't know what its Disney-fied name is though.

3. How many groups? Hmmm...not enough? I never seem to time it right. The Casey's Corner pianists, and the pianists in the Grand Floridian, for sure, and also the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra . I don't think this counts, but the violinist at our Disney wedding was superb! We could have listened to him all day!! The drummers in Pandora, which we stumbled upon accidentally. Dapper Dans (who are currently my favourites!) Matzurisa in Epcot's Japan a few times. VoicePlay (who I love!) at the Christmas parties. But my absolute favourite, for whom I used to consistently sit for full sets, isn't there anymore, and that was Mo'Rockin' in Epcot.

 

[franandaj]

Thats great news about Abu! It's amazing hiw you came into his kife and were able to make such wonderful changes for him.

I've been so far behind around here. Not sure if I've even commented on the previous chapters. The last month of out of town visitors has veen fun, but it really threw my normal schedule out of whack!

 

[franandaj]

Just caught your recent update. I sucked on the last round of the contest! Hopefully I'll make it back before the next round to comment and get my answers in!

 

[vamassey1]

I love all the music offered at DW. I would have to say my all time favorite is VOL. We made a point to catch as much of the Epcot music groups as possible in 2017. We just happened upon a few music groups in February and it was really neat for JP. I still have so many more to see and hear.

 

[mom3sonstt]

Contest Questions for M:
(Never too late to play! Join in just for fun!)

Post these: (Because it's fun to get to know you all!)

1. Were you in choir or band in school? If so, what did you play? Totally okay if you weren’t! What did you do for electives instead, if not? Sports? Drama? Snacks and a nap at home?
Yes, Choir 4 years, robed choir 1 year (that was for select Jr's & Sr's who performed at the area churches during the summer months), Band 4 years playing tenor sax. No sports, although I was manager for the basketball team and track teams a couple years, we didn't have Drama (although the choir put on musicals every year), but I did compete in Speech my Senior year. Snacks and naps at home....definitely!

2. Without Googling and on the honor system, how many places can you find something to eat on Main Street (WDW)? Can you name them? (Because food is as good as music. And food WITH music is best of all!)
Hmm..no cheating huh? Ok Tony's is kinda on Main Street, there's usually an ice cream cart out front of the big building on the right, the candy shoppe, STarbucks, Plaza Ice Cream, Plaza restaurant, then across the street is Caseys, (Crystal Palace is probably too far off the path to count), and a popcorn cart as you leave.

3. How many music groups have you stopped to watch for more than 5 minutes in Disney World (name them for a bonus point)? And which one is your favorite? (2 points)
Oh gosh - too many....but I don;t know lot of the names. Studios I used to like to watch the Mulch Sweat and Shears, but they are gone, as is Off Kilter - my favorite from Epcot. Ryne always has to watch the Jammitors. There were some random musicians playing on the sidewalk in the UK one time - a folk trio I believe, that I enjoyed, and we made a special effort to go watch the British Invasion last trip. I usually hear there music walking over from the Boardwalk area so it was nice to see their faces. At Animal Kingdom we stopped a watched a band and some dancers for quite awhile. I wish I could remember where, I think it was on Discovery Island somewhere, I don't know their name, but it seemed to be in a location that they rotated different groups through. Ryne took about a million pictures of them....that all look pretty much the same...because just because it's a new song that sounds different doesn't mean that the group actually "looks" different. lol

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Band.

Trumpet.

That is all I'm willing to disclose. (THEY might be reading. They're always watching you know. Always watching.)

Music is a huge part of what makes Disney Disney. I've not seen all on your list but I have seen quite a few. Yehaa Bob is on my list for next time. I definitely want to check out his show.

 

[irene_dsc]

Will try to come back later when I'm more caught up, but that is such good news about Abu that I just had to jump ahead! Yay!

 

[irene_dsc]

Ooh - I can actually answer one of these! I played viola in orchestra all through high school. I also tried out for the musical one year, but I found out years later that I was on the list of kids the orchestra director couldn't spare from the pit, so I didn't get a part. (And was a little salty about it, since I thought I was better than a few kids who got in!) But, I had a ton of fun playing in the pit orchestra every year for the variety show and the musical, and most of my school friends were in music and/or theatre.

I don't think I've stopped for many musical acts at WDW, tbh. Too busy trying to get to other things, and not organized enough to seek them out. If I ever go for a solo or couple trip, I will definitely try for more!

 

[Steppesister]

I think I'm FINALLY caught up and what a fantastic way to catch up!!!!!

Hallelujah!!!

I was rather pleased myself. Truly a very great reason to celebrate life!

What brilliant news about your beautiful little friend, Abu! He has crossed my mind many time since you first told us about him. How amazing that he prognosis looks so great now, and thanks to how you went out of your way to get him the help that he needed. Bless him and the doctors who've changed his life!

It was the best news I've written about so far! Totally trumps a day in Disney! There were dozens of people who played a part in his healing, I'm just the news bearer.

We sure did. When there is so much more to see in Ak, seeing too much of Africa is easy.

LOL!!! Still not time lost really. I could spend a whole day there and be happy, but then again, if you only have one day in that park, I can see how I'd miss Asia too. Hmmm....

I say your post about Abu on FB. Such great news! God really does work in mysterious ways and in his own time.

He sure does and I was more than happy to be part of that plan!

Wow great news about Abu. Thank you for what you all did for him and are continuing to do. Are they still accepting donations?

It super was!!! When this process started many months ago, I was not very hopeful because the inefficient and sloooooow system we were dealing with made me think he might have never gotten the care he needed. I will PM you a bit later for donation information. They are, and will go towards his eye surgery and getting him back and settled into his village.

 

[Steppesister]

So thankful for the report on Abu! I hope he learns that God reached down through what looked like chance to him, and to you, and saved his life! I'm so excited to know he'll soon be running and playing!

Those around him are sharing Good things with him, so I am confident he will know of God's goodness to him and know His hand was at work.

I was in choir in high school, and I took piano in elementary. I used to sit and play however badly, just for relaxation at times.

Well, look at you! I regret not sticking with my piano, but I was 10 and hated it at the time. I have a Grand in my living room that gets very little use now. I love my BIL comes at the holidays so I can hear it played.

I really enjoy the bands at Disney! It's fun how they just seem to randomly appear from down a side street and "pep up" the moment. My family is not very music minded, so we don't do much stopping and listening, I'm afraid.

They do seem to have an uncanny ability to pop up where you least expect them at times. Others are nice to see in their regular spots- although I'm still pretty sore about Mo'Rockin. Maybe you need some solo time? Just an hour to stop and listen here and there.

I'm going to guess there are 23 places for food on Main Street

Noted!

Have a fabulous week!

Starting it out at a night shift. Yay me.

 

[Steppesister]

So glad to hear about Abu! We live in a mysterious world that puts us in situations that we never would have expected to change our lives but do. I'm so glad that the cancer will not be returning, but that his sight might be!

Yes, we certainly do! And keep thinking good thoughts for Abu. He still has some healing to do ahead of him.

I was not in choir or band in school, I played softball and volleyball, and majored in business, so I had to do externships (aka have a job) while in school. I kind of regret not having that foundation now that I sing with my church choir (both vocally and as a handbell ringer!), but I am picking up the things that I need to know now!

Aha, so a sporty kind of gal, but now quite music-y! I played handbells briefly in my elementary days at church too, and enjoyed it. Glad you are picking up music reading and the fundamentals now!

The Confectionery, The Plaza, Main Street Bakery, Casey's, The Emporium (because bagged snacks totally count!), Tony's (you never said it had to be good food), Do popcorn carts count? 'cause there is the permanent one down by the train station...

I think that's it, so seven total.

Noted!

Wait! Isn't Crystal Palace considered to be on Main Street?

So my answer is 8.

Yes, I was considering it so.

I've only every really stopped for Voices of Liberty, the Dapper Dans, and the Main Street Philharmonic Band ( I think that's their name...).

Nice choices!!

I would have to say that the Voices of Liberty are my favorite. I am a big fan of a capella music and traditional folk music!

Me too!! I love their selections/arrangements they sing!

I can't see the pictures while I am at the office , so I will have to PM you the rest later tonight when I get home.

Standing by!

 

[Steppesister]

Wonderful news on Abu! So pleased to hear that he is doing so well.


Now to read your latest update.

It certainly is!!

I like this image. And I've seen you do it!

Hehe. Just doing what my body tells me to.

A roll is good... but I want something either salty or sweet.

So, git yerself to Gastons!

I forgot you went to Hoop De Do.

And had my own little post-dinner show. Eh hem... And believe it or not, the first time I went, my sister walked into the men's room. 6 years later, I did.

Piano.... love the Piano guy on Main St.

Yes!!!

Mine tried... It didn't stick as well.

Such a shame, but it's totally not too late!

I've heard so much about them. I'd love to see them someday.

I hope it happens sooner than later for you!

Then make sure you take the time to go!

I will try, but they elude me on the days I always plan to be in DTD.

Who doesn't like a few tunes for zee Fatherland?

The French?

Recall that one too. Doesn't sound like they knocked your socks off though.

They were... "Hey, let's see if Everest has a line!"

Huh... I think I may have seen them, but not sure if I paused to listen. There was probably a line waiting for me to get in it.

They perform outdoors where all the drums are in Pandora. No lines.

Have a nice pair of photos of Kay there, taken years apart.

I think you've posted those on one of your past TRs, yes?

I'll keep it in mind... no promises!

Fair enough...

The Dad jokes are what makes them legendary.

Oh? Then why aren't they called the Dapper Dads?

Never heard it quite put that way (about Sousa) before.

Ok, fine. He toots my horn.

Isn't he terrific?

Yes. Yes, he is!

Nope. I never notice that. Wouldn't be able to tell you what it sounds like. Not a clue.

You can see it...

Here:

It really depends. If I'm rushing, then I don't give it a second glance (or second listen), but if I'm not... then I will definitely pause if the tune is something I like. Doesn't have to be familiar, but it does have to be catchy.

Ah, so only catchy tunes. Hmmm. Subjective, but understood.

Only for the obligatory Christmas choir they did every year. Band... I was a roadie, I guess you could call it for our band that toured several schools when I was in Grade 9.

So, you hated it? Tolerated it? Liked it?

Didn't have electives of that sort... but I did do a lot of sports. Track, soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton... probably others, but those for sure.

Another sporty. I'm guessing there were a fair amount of pick up hockey games? Some skiing maybe? Afterall, you ARE Canadian. (Yes, I'm totally stereotyping.)

Without Googling (and I'm running out of time on my break) I can think of the Confectionary, the fancy Starbucks (Main St. Bakery) , Casey's, the Plaza (although I don't really count it as Main St per se), the ice cream parlour where you can get an ice cream sandwich that's as big as your head. And Tony's which I think of more as being in town square than Main St.

So 6... noted.

Piano at Casey's (Jim) is really the only one I'll always stop for and listen to. The Dapper Dans too for a bit. Just being honest.

If you do it with an order of Casey's nuggets, then you're doing it right.

Will later.

Standing by...

Letter L perhaps?

Yes. And fixed.

Woot! Leading the pack!

But not by much!!

 

[Steppesister]

How much can I LOVE this post???

Kim

Multiple times is completely appropriate. It is wonderful, isn't it? And speaking of healing, how is your pastor's wife doing?

 

[Steppesister]

Ooohhh Jim I love that this is your "best for last" pick. There's something so magical about his playing on the street, drawing folks in. I've always wanted to stop and make a request sometime. Maybe I'll add that to my list of "to do's" for my solo time next month.

It totally is. It screams "Main Street" to me more than anything else.I love his energy, but also the way he draws the kids in- the ones who might otherwise be shy or reserved. So sweet! Yes, he does take requests. I should think of one too! I know he can do Disney songs in Ragtime which would be fun to ask for.

Fabulous! An excellent use of your time! The musician in me feels my heart growing warm to think of guests enjoying all the musical offerings Disney provides.


And now I continue my pathetic attempt at answering the occasional contest question.

THere are so many of them, I just remembered (by someone's comment) that I totally forgot one- the Taiko drummers. I paused long enough to hear them this time, but didn't take pictures. They seem to be wildly popular, but not my favorite. So actually, 10 I at least paused for.

1. I was! All of the above! I was a music kid (hence, why I did my bachelor's degree in Music.) I played the piano, and played and sang in my church band. In school I played clarinet in the concert band from grade 6-12. I sang in choirs a few years in school, and also in a girls' choir that my private music teacher led. Once I got into University I played in pep band for football games occasionally, and joined an auditioned choir which I sang in all four years. Some of us were finding by our third year though that even this choir wasn't offering enough inspiration and challenge for those of us who wanted to take it to the next level, so for fourth year I collaborated with one of my professors who agreed to supervise us, and I created a new women's choir called the Melodia Chorus. We got course credit for it, which was pretty sweet, and we did some fun stuff!

OK you take the cake for Missy Music! WOWZA!! I'm anxious to see Alison's responses too as I know she also majored in music. You sound like you liked both instrument and voice. Very cool!

I only speak English and some conversational French, but I've sung in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Serbian, Latin...which is absolutely useless to me now in my day-to-day life. When I got out of school, I did a semester singing with an auditioned women's group here in Halifax called Xara. It's a well-respected choral theatre group, and one of the leaders of what's now becoming a more common genre in the arts scene these days. They tell stories and use their performances as advocacy tools, combining choral singing, theatre, choreography, sometimes spoken word poetry, etc., etc. Cool stuff!

And a musical polyglot as well! Niiiiiice! And you took it all to the next level and did auditioned groups. You gals are amazing!

I was also a theatre kid growing up. In University, I got to get as close as possible to my childhood dream of being Belle from Beauty and the Beast.

Whoa! I am super impressed. Great job, Meghan! That must have been such a fun role to play!

2. Hmmm...I neeeeeever get food on Main Street. Even before my dietary restrictions, for some reason it was just never somewhere we ate as a family. I know of Casey's, and also The Plaza, which is kind of on Main Street-ish. Is there a Starbucks? I feel like there's a Starbucks somewhere. I don't know what its Disney-fied name is though.

All excellent answers.

3. How many groups? Hmmm...not enough? I never seem to time it right. The Casey's Corner pianists, and the pianists in the Grand Floridian, for sure, and also the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra . I don't think this counts, but the violinist at our Disney wedding was superb! We could have listened to him all day!! The drummers in Pandora, which we stumbled upon accidentally. Dapper Dans (who are currently my favourites!) Matzurisa in Epcot's Japan a few times. VoicePlay (who I love!) at the Christmas parties. But my absolute favourite, for whom I used to consistently sit for full sets, isn't there anymore, and that was Mo'Rockin' in Epcot.

I super love the music in the Grand, but like you with others, I time those wrong. I always seem to arrive at the end of their sets.

I listened to them (Mo'Rockin') tonight at work, because..... I miss them. I really do. Such a unique sound and cool pop twist on Eastern music. I have some of their stuff on a CD I made a million years ago, but now just rely on YouTube.

 

[Steppesister]

Thats great news about Abu! It's amazing how you came into his life and were able to make such wonderful changes for him.

I've been so far behind around here. Not sure if I've even commented on the previous chapters. The last month of out of town visitors has been fun, but it really threw my normal schedule out of whack!

I felt quite privileged to have been able to find a way to help little Abu. Glad what he needed was found and worked.

I'm not sure you did either!! LOL! Happy we got to spend a bit more time hanging out- such lovely company. But hopefully, you'll get back on track soon, Sweet Friend. I know what out-of-whack feels like...

Just caught your recent update. I sucked on the last round of the contest! Hopefully I'll make it back before the next round to comment and get my answers in!

Well, when you miss getting answers in....

I love all the music offered at DW. I would have to say my all time favorite is VOL. We made a point to catch as much of the Epcot music groups as possible in 2017. We just happened upon a few music groups in February and it was really neat for JP. I still have so many more to see and hear.

It doesn't surprise me that you are like the 3rd of 4th person to say that VOL is your favorite. They are so talented!