Day 4: Cheers Cambridge — Singing, Punting, and New Friendships
The dorm-staying singers woke up well-rested and walked to St. Catharine’s College to grab some delicious and traditional breakfast. The homestay singers met at the dorms and convened with the dorm singers at the Market for some free time. With our snacks in hand, we made our way to the serene river Cam, where we were greeted by the charming sight of grazing cows. Split into 4 different groups, we embarked on a punt along the river. Our punting guides led us along the Cam where we were able to see the back sides of 8 different colleges. Some boats erupted in songs and graced the other people on the river with the beautiful sounds of Sing All Ye Joyful, and Shenendoah.
Next, we walked back to St. Catharine’s College for lunch and a quick rehearsal before the upcoming concert. Our tired singers all walked back to the dorms and took a long hour rest period where most, if not all of the singers napped!
After waking up from their naps, the singers dressed and walked to St. Catharine’s for the last time and joined St. Cat’s Girls Choir for one final joint rehearsal.
According to a group of highly skilled seasoned vocalists, the concert was a thrilling rollercoaster filled with many genres spanning from an old Latin Ave Maria to the contemporary headscratcher that is “panda chant II.” The St. Catharine’s Girls Choir sang a heartwarming repertoire of traditional choral pieces.
Finally, the families of the St. Cat singers hosted a bountiful potluck with many traditional British foods, as well as fresh sushi and fruit! The singers exchanged gifts and the classic singing games such as Pony Game and Down by the Banks. We are so grateful to the singers and families of St. Catharine’s College for their hospitality! It was another day in paradise, laters Cambridge!
