Happy Taylor Blog!: Eclipse Returns to China!

So, the reason for Eclipse's trip to Hong Kong was to perform at the 2010 International A Cappella Festival. They brought over two groups from the US (Eclipse & Noteworthy), as well as groups from Sweden, Singapore, Japan and, of course, Hong Kong:

Our main performance was at the opening concert, called the "A Cappella Extravaganza," which was attended by about 4000 people:

The crowd was amazing! So enthusiastic and LOUD! They really made us feel like rock stars:

Here's a taste of what it was like from our wives' perspective (though, the video doesn't do justice to how loud it was):

The festival was put on by an organization called the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups.
Since 1960, they have been providing opportunities and facilities for social, educational, cultural, and physical development of young people. The a cappella festival is one of many events and activities they put on each year. In fact, last year their combined attendance at all of their activities was over five million!

In addition to our performances, they set up workshops and masterclasses for us throughout the week we were there. Here we are working with a men's choir at one of the local high schools:

Paul teaching them the "Hoook" breathing exercise:

We were very impressed when we found out that they showed up even though school was not being held that day:

Here we are performing a mini-concert at an all girls school:

Here we are at the entrance of Ocean Park with Riltons Vanner (one of the groups from Sweden) and a few of the members of the Hong Kong Melody Makers (a choir sponsored by the Federation of Youth Groups):

Ocean Park is part amusement park and part zoo. The biggest attractions on the zoo side are the dolphin shows and the panda exhibit:

Until this trip, I didn't know there two different types of pandas. As it turns out, the black & white variety that most people are familiar with is called the Giant Panda: