We left Marquette, MI, this weekend with many memories—big and small. They were born at small schools like Republic (total school population 144) to discussions of major issues at Northern Michigan University, where professors are planning a new curriculum focusing on the Middle East.
Parents, teachers and students at Republic wanted to know how their little school located in rural Upper Peninsula was selected for one of the Israeli Ethnic Ensembles workshops.
Gorgeous autumn leaves, wonderful weather and friendly UP folks have made the beginning of the Israeli Ethnic Ensemble's tour spectacular. The weather is so unseasonably wonderful that we were able to hold our pre-tour meeting with program director Ken Carlson sitting around a picnic table in Presque Isle, a beautiful city-maintained park.
We left Marquette Sunday morning, feeling a bit gloomy like the weather in Marquette, over cast and 37º, but our memories of Marquette were warm and welcoming. People were appreciative and responsive to our music.
First workshop at Northern Michigan University, we were pleased and surprised to find the students and the professor had some great knowledge of Japanese culture and music.
