DCS CA/NEW ZEALAND TOUR 2024: DAILY UPDATES
The Delaware Choral Scholars are embarking on their Summer 2024 tour. Read our day-to-day redux of the tour here, captured in real-time during the trip!
Click the tabs on the side to read about a different day!
- Day 18: July 20th
- Day 17: July 19th
- Day 16: July 18th
- Day 15: July 17th
- Day 14: July 16th
- Day 13: July 15th
- Day 12: July 14th
- Day 11: July 13th
- Day 10: July 12th
- Day 9: July 11th
- Day 8: July 10th
- Day 7: July 9th
- Day 6: July 7th
- Day 5: July 6th
- Day 4: July 5th
- Day 3: July 4th
- Day 2: July 3rd
- Day 1: July 2nd
DAY 18: July 20th
The choir becomes 3X WORLD CHAMPIONS of the World Choir Games!!!!!
The choir went to the final award ceremony of the World Choir Games today, and placed first in BOTH of their categories – Spirituals, and Contemporary Choir. This makes the Delaware Choral Scholars 3x World Champions of the World Choir Games!
The singers are over the moon! We could not be more thankful for everyone who has supported us along the way. Our final concert in NZ will be live-streamed tomorrow at 4:00 PM GMT + 12.
Want to catch up on videos of our performances from this tour? Watch below!
- Contemporary Set – World Choir Games – 7/19/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Spiritual Set – World Choir Games – 7/18/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Musica Sacra Set – World Choir Games – 7/14/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Mixed Choir Set – World Choir Games – 7/13/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Choral Kaleidoscope Performance in Auckland, NZ – 7/12/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Concert in San Francisco – 7/6/2024: WATCH HERE!
DAY 17: July 19th
The choir competes in their FINAL CATEGORY: Contemporary Music!
The choir had their final competition performance for the World Choir Games today in the Contemporary Music category! The singers were excited to give it their all one last time.
The singers had a nice long warm-up/rehearsal in the morning in preparation for the performance.
After their warm-up, the singers walked over to Auckland Town Hall to take the stage. The program featured a newly commissioned work by John Frederick Hudson, for which he also came to Auckland to play the piano!
After the performance, the singers gave a quick pop-up concert in the Queen’s Arcade in Auckland. Then, the singers got the rest of the day off to celebrate finishing their competitive performances!
Want to catch up on videos of our performances from this tour? Watch below!
- Contemporary Set – World Choir Games – 7/19/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Spiritual Set – World Choir Games – 7/18/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Musica Sacra Set – World Choir Games – 7/14/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Mixed Choir Set – World Choir Games – 7/13/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Choral Kaleidoscope Performance in Auckland, NZ – 7/12/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Concert in San Francisco – 7/6/2024: WATCH HERE!
DAY 16: July 18th
The choir competes in their third category: Spirituals!
The choir had their third competition performance of the trip today in the Spiritual category!
The singers had a restful morning before walking up the hill to compete at St. Matthew’s Church in Auckland. After a warm-up and some quiet time, the singers got to give it their all for their penultimate performance.
Tomorrow, the choir competes in their last set of the World Choir Games. Wish a singer luck!
Want to catch up on videos of our performances from this tour? Watch below!
- Spiritual Set – World Choir Games – 7/18/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Musica Sacra Set – World Choir Games – 7/14/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Mixed Choir Set – World Choir Games – 7/13/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Choral Kaleidoscope Performance in Auckland, NZ – 7/12/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Concert in San Francisco – 7/6/2024: WATCH HERE!
DAY 13: July 15th
The choir gets a day off to explore New Zealand before going back into competition mode!
Enjoy these shots of members of our choir enjoying a day of exploring New Zealand!
Want to catch up on videos of our performances from this tour? Watch below!
- Musica Sacra Set – World Choir Games – 7/14/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Mixed Choir Set – World Choir Games – 7/13/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Choral Kaleidoscope Performance in Auckland, NZ – 7/12/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Concert in San Francisco – 7/6/2024: WATCH HERE!
DAY 13: July 15th
The choir gets to walk in the Interkultur Parade of Nations, and rehearses for their second round of competitions!
The choir had an eventful afternoon today! After a leisurely morning, the singers got to walk in the Interkultur Parade of Nations, which allowed them to see much of the City of Auckland!
After the parade, the choir went to the Queen’s Arcade to have a productive evening rehearsal for their last two competition sets — Spirituals and Contemporary. The singers are looking forward to a day off tomorrow to explore Auckland!
Want to catch up on videos of our performances from this tour? Watch below!
- Musica Sacra Set – World Choir Games – 7/14/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Mixed Choir Set – World Choir Games – 7/13/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Choral Kaleidoscope Performance in Auckland, NZ – 7/12/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Concert in San Francisco – 7/6/2024: WATCH HERE!
DAY 13: July 15th
The choir performs for the World Choir Council and prepares for their second week of competition!
The choir got to do a special performance for the World Choir Council today! After singing for the many choral professionals from across the globe, the choir had some downtime before having their first rehearsal for the second round of performances next week.
Want to catch up on videos of our performances from this tour? Watch below!
- Musica Sacra Set – World Choir Games – 7/14/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Mixed Choir Set – World Choir Games – 7/13/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Choral Kaleidoscope Performance in Auckland, NZ – 7/12/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Concert in San Francisco – 7/6/2024: WATCH HERE!
DAY 12: July 14th
The choir goes to the FIRST award ceremony of the World Choir Games, and scores TWO GOLD MEDALS and one overall category win!!
Today was a joyful day for the choir!!!! The choir won TWO GOLD MEDALS in the Musica Sacra and Mixed Choir categories, and won the overall prize for Mixed Choir! The singers were absolutely ecstatic!!!
The choir will begin preparing for the second half of the competition soon, but for now, they are reveling in their joy!
Want to catch up on videos of our performances from this tour? Watch below!
- Musica Sacra Set – World Choir Games – 7/14/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Mixed Choir Set – World Choir Games – 7/13/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Choral Kaleidoscope Performance in Auckland, NZ – 7/12/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Concert in San Francisco – 7/6/2024: WATCH HERE!
DAY 11: July 13th
The choir competes in their second category of the World Choir Games: Musica Sacra!
The choir competed in their second category of the World Choir Games this morning: Musica Sacra! The performance was held in the lovely St. Matthew’s Church.
After a brisk walk through the streets of Auckland, the choir warmed up and had some quiet time before performing their four pieces: Schutz’ “Die Himmel,” Bruckner’s “Christus Factus Est,” Kreek’s “Õnnis on inimene,” and Rütti’s “Ite missa est.”
After the performance, the choir had some free time to relax and explore Auckland!
Want to catch up on videos of our performances from this tour? Watch below!
- Musica Sacra Set – World Choir Games – 7/14/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Mixed Choir Set – World Choir Games – 7/13/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Choral Kaleidoscope Performance in Auckland, NZ – 7/12/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Concert in San Francisco – 7/6/2024: WATCH HERE!
DAY 10: July 12th
The choir competes in their first category of the World Choir Games: Mixed Choir!
Today was the day! The choir finally performed in their first category for the World Choir Games: Mixed Choir. The set consisted of Rautavaara’s “Lähtö,” Brahms’ “An die Heimat,” Mealor’s “Lady, When I Behold the Roses,” and Whitacre’s “Leonardo Dreams of his Flying Machine.”
The day started with a light warm-up rehearsal and pep talk, and then after a lunch break, the choir got into their attire and headed over to the venue for the performance.
The singers sang with passion! Everyone is now resting up for their second competitive performance tomorrow, where the choir will compete in the Musica Sacra category.
Want to catch up on videos of our performances from this tour? Watch below!
- Mixed Choir Set – World Choir Games – 7/13/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Choral Kaleidoscope Performance in Auckland, NZ – 7/12/2024: WATCH HERE!
- Concert in San Francisco – 7/6/2024: WATCH HERE!
DAY 9: July 11th
The choir has a light day and performs in the first “Choral Kaleidoscope” Concert of the World Choir Games 2024!
Today was a lovely and restful day for the choir! Many singers were able to attend performances from other choirs competing in the 2024 World Choir Games.
The day culminated in the first “Choral Kaleidoscope” Concert of this year’s Games. DCS performed last on the program, and the singers were absolutely euphoric after singing! We are so grateful to everyone who came out to watch the concert, and for everyone’s kind words!
DAY 8: July 10th
A jam-packed choir marathon including an outdoor rehearsal, a soundcheck, a rehearsal, and the opening ceremony for the World Choir Games!
Today was a marathon of singing for our Scholars! The day began with a morning warm-up/brief rehearsal outside of the hotel with the scenic views of Auckland in the background.
After their brief rehearsal, the choir had a 10-minute soundcheck in the venue for their first competition set. The process was quick and efficient!!
After soundcheck and lunch, the choir had a productive rehearsal block. Everything is coming together for the first competition performance THIS FRIDAY!
The day culminated in the opening ceremony for the World Choir Games. The choir was in high spirits as they watched the opening speeches and performance!
DAY 7: July 9th
THE CHOIR ARRIVES IN NEW ZEALAND!!!!
The choir arrived in Auckland, New Zealand today! The plane landed at around 5:30 AM GMT + 12 (so no July 8th).
After an early-morning unload, the singers took to the streets of Auckland to explore and see the sights. We are as far on the other side of the world from Delaware as we can be!!
Tomorrow is the official start of the World Choir Games 2024. Check back soon for more updates! In the meantime, enjoy a few photos of our singers enjoying their day.
DAY 6: July 7th
The choir sings for a service at Napa United Methodist Church, explores Berkeley, and congregates at SFO to take the long journey to New Zealand!
The choir had a lovely last day in the USA before flying out to NZ! The morning was spent singing a lovely church service at Napa United Methodist Church, where Dr. Head and his family worshipped during their time in Napa, CA.
After the service, the congregation sent our Choral Scholars away to Berkeley with only the warmest of well-wishes. Choristers spent the day on UC Berkeley’s campus grabbing lunch and exploring, before hopping back onto the bus and heading straight to SFO!! To New Zealand we go! When we arrive, July 8th will have dissolved across the International Date Line, so check back for a July 9th blog update!
DAY 5: July 6th
The choir has an easy daytime rehearsal, enjoys their last hours in Napa, and gives their second concert of the tour in a room full of Vintage High School alumni!
The choir had a productive yet more laid-back day in Napa today! The morning started with a spot-checking session and staging walkthrough, with extra downtime for the choir to explore during their last full day in Napa.
The day culminated in the second concert of the tour at the Napa Methodist Church. Many alumni of Dr. Head’s tenure at Vintage High School came and sang with the choir on their final song!
Today was the choir’s last full day in the USA! The flight for New Zealand leaves tomorrow night, with the choir touching down in NZ in the early morning. (So no July 8th update- it doesn’t happen for us!) Bon voyage!!
DAY 4: July 5th
The choir rehearses in San Francisco, works with Dr. Charlene Archibeque, and gives their first concert of the summer!
Today was an extremely productive and exciting day for the choir! The singers took a bus from Napa to San Francisco, where they were graciously hosted by the gorgeous Calvary Presbyterian Church for a day of rehearsal.
After an afternoon of hard work, Dr. Charlene Archibeque provided feedback and advice to the ensemble in preparation for the World Choir Games and their two performances in California. This was most appreciated!
In the evening, the choir gave their first concert of the summer. The concert was lovely, and the singers are looking forward to some time off tomorrow morning before the next big evening concert!
Day 3: July 4th
The choir has an intensive second rehearsal and explores downtown Napa!
Happy Fourth of July! The choir had an extremely productive rehearsal in Napa today, as they continue to prepare for the World Choir Games. Working hard on memorization and the minutiae of many musical details!
Mr. Dan Earl, the high school teacher of Dr. Head, also came to rehearsal today to offer some words of wisdom and perspective to the singers. This was greatly appreciated by all!
The singers also had time to explore downtown Napa today. Ask your favorite singer what they did with their free time!
DAY 2: July 3rd
The choir had an extremely successful first rehearsal in Napa, CA!
The choir woke up bright and early to travel from San Francisco to Napa, CA to begin intensive rehearsals in preparation for the World Choir Games. Napa United Methodist church was kind enough to host the singers for rehearsals!
Rehearsal was extremely productive, with the singers making excellent progress towards memorization!
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DAY 1: July 2nd
The choir arrives in San Francisco, CA, to explore and overcome jet lag before diving into their intensive rehearsal process in Napa!
We are OFF on our Summer 2024 tour!!! Today, members of the choir convened from all corners of the USA in sunny San Francisco, CA.
The singers had the day to adjust to the CA timezone and beat jet-lag before they embark on many hours of intensive rehearsal in Napa to prepare for the World Choir Games. Follow along on this page to see our progress! Updates every day.
