Keeping busy in Terre Haute, Indiana

By Shigeyo Henriquez

The week in Terre Haute, Indiana started with such a nice reception at the home some Arts Illiana board members, a performance at the library, workshops at the elementary schools—our schedules were filled. We often feel a bit of tired, but no one ever complains. Beauty & Melody members are always willing and proud to show their music and culture. Community people, young or old, are also eager to lean Chinese culture and their music!

Every new community we visit something happens unexpectedly. It’s always a positive experience.

When we arrived in Terre Haute, we spent several hours at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC). On Monday we met the SMWC chorale ensemble. Michael Boswell, the conductor, has been teaching them a Chinese song, MuLi Hua, Jasmine Flower. On Wednesday our third visit to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, we and the chorale practiced to sing MuLi Hua.

For the public concert on Saturday evening, a special encore was planned. Beauty & Melody and SMWC Chorale together sang MuLi Hua to the full house audience. Words can not describe the audience reaction. It was ecstatic! It was amazing!

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has also posted a wonderful article about the experience from their perspective if you would like to know more.

Shaking hands with David Wire, meteorologist for WTHI before an interview with Abby Walton.

Lunch time. Home cooked meal on the tour??? Yes, every day we eat a freshly cooked meal!

Tour of the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Kong Yu teaches Mu Yu, or temple blocks, to a student at West Vigo Elementary.