Here’s our wrap up post from our final day of Tour!

We began the day saying goodbye to Busselton with a hearty breakfast and traveling to Treendale Primary School in Australind. A public school serving approximately 500 students, Treendale offers comprehensive general music education program for every child, 90 minutes per week. Ms. Akse, the music teacher, also has a Taiko Drum Ensemble and Choir. She began the Taiko Drum ensemble because of the Japanese language instruction at the school. Morning activities included morning tea followed by a Taiko workshop lead by the Treendale Taiko Ensemble; our Singers loved playing a rhythm tag game and then playing the drums and working on their technique. After, we practiced with the choir for the assembly performance. PG and GSG singers shared tour songs and then joined with the choir on “Draw the Circle” singing in a perimeter around the space.

We all agreed that Treendale is a very special place where individuals honor one another for who they are. From the moment we arrived, Treendale students joined in with games and music-making. During snack and lunch, PG and GSG singers shared conversation and playground games. The children and staff were so warm and welcoming. The principal’s words say it all: “Everything we do at Treendale is about children and doing what is best for them.” We left Australind feeling full and happy.

Next stop was Kings Park in Perth, a stunning botanical garden overlooking the water. It was such a glorious day, we had to stop to take a few more tour pictures before time ran out! We ate our last tour dinner at a popular and delicious Greek restaurant. Chaperones gave out the famous “Paper Plate Awards” to choristers, celebrating their achievements and growth during tour. Girls surprised chaperones with their own Paper Plate Awards and presented staff gifts. It was a touching ending to an amazing trip.

Quickly, we boarded the bus, checked in to our flight to Sydney and were on our way!