New York, New York

I can't imagine a better way to have spent the first weekend of the new semester than traveling to New York City with the Chamber Orchestra. The almost 3-day trip included attending an all-Mozart performance by the world renowned Berlin Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall, a masterclass with graduate conducting students at the Copland School of Music, and a long visit to the Museum of Modern Art. The photograph above shows the group in the lobby of Carnegie Hall, just after an incredible performance that I'm sure we'll all remember for the rest of our lives. Returning to Cornell after the trip, I was completely exhausted but felt that I had spend quality time bonding with my colleagues in the orchestra. We now share stories about our experience in New York, from crazy drivers and metro passengers to tiny, bustling Burger Joints behind curtains in seemingly innocuous buildings. It's not everyday you have the opportunity to go on tour with such a great group of people and musicians. Many thanks to Chris and everyone who worked so hard to make this experience possible.