Concert No.4...almost.

There was an unexpected turn of events this evening. We performed our customary preparation ahead of tonight's concert, with Sarah doing her usual sterling suit bag checks and chivvying and Mr Cobb sweeping the rooms, ensuring that the boys had their suit bags and that they were heading to the hotel lobby for 5.30.

One young man walked past me and said that he didn't feel so good. I could see this, as he was a very funny colour. I was standing outside my hotel room door at that point and estimated that it would be quicker if he got to the loo in there, rather than go back to his own room. A well-hatched plan that nearly worked, but not quite, as I was standing in his path. Ho hum - with a bit of scrubbing my suit jacket is okay. Far, far more importantly, Alex J is okay, and five minutes ago he was sitting up in bed, professing himself to be feeling fine and ready for a bit of food.

We have had an excellent day today; it has been quite humid and very warm. The breakfasts here at the Radison are stunning and plenteous and all ate well. No waffle maker...it is far too classy a joint for that. But there is an omelette maker in the form of a waiter who stands behind the counter and makes omelettes to order. After this, we went for a walk along the banks of the Colorado and found a park where the boys were able to run around and play Capture the Flag or spot turtles in the lake and skim stones (but not at the turtles, obviously).

We ate lunch on the Campus of the University of Austin, where Hunter March (our host) is Professor of Music Education and Associate Dean for Arts Education. There were lots and lots of students and it was great to be brief part of a working university in America.

Then to the rehearsal in the St Austin’s Church and back to the hotel to suit up for tonight and this post has come full circle. Two concert-less days now follow which will give us a time to relax and enjoy the hotel and the city Austin.