2008 Woodie Awards
Mac Choir Goes to Japan
An Interview with Amy Coddington '08
By: Taylor Uggla, Features Editor
Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: Features
For ten days over J-term, members of the Macalester Choir escaped the Minnesota cold and traveled to Japan, visiting cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto.
Performing at the US Embassy, an air force base, and schools including St. Mary's International, they showcased their voices, and explored the best of Japan.
The Mac Weekly interviewed Amy about the sightseeing, the performances and the hilarious moments in between.
The Mac Weekly: So, what were some of your favorite things about the trip?
Amy Coddington: One favorite moment was when Ian Lempke fell into a Japanese pond at a temple. We also went to the Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, which was absolutely stunning. Lots of members said that it was the most beautiful building they had ever seen. Also, singing karaoke with the whole choir was momentous. In Japan they seat you in private rooms, and groups are provided with controllers for choosing songs, along with a tambourine and maracas. It's different but a lot of fun. Some members went to dinner at a crazy restaurant one night where they got locked up in jail cells. Oh, and singing was wonderful as well. Tokyo was so busy and alive.
TMW: Did you notice any cultural differences?
AC: There were lots of funny signs that had been translated into English, but my favorite difference was that, in Japan, there are temples and shrines around any and every corner. It was really neat to see spirituality blended into people's every day lives.
TMW: Were there any differences in being in Japan with a group as opposed to the idea of traveling alone?
AC: It was pretty amazing to go traveling with forty of your closest friends. Although, while there were lots of fun times, it was also hard to deal with getting everyone anywhere.
TMW: How was the tour experience? Any favorite or least favorite moments?
AC: Touring was absolutely fabulous. The worst part was that it all felt so rushed-I know that all of us wish we could have been there longer. Traveling abroad with a group of people that I love and trust has been one of my favorite college experiences by far.
Performing at the US Embassy, an air force base, and schools including St. Mary's International, they showcased their voices, and explored the best of Japan.
The Mac Weekly interviewed Amy about the sightseeing, the performances and the hilarious moments in between.
The Mac Weekly: So, what were some of your favorite things about the trip?
Amy Coddington: One favorite moment was when Ian Lempke fell into a Japanese pond at a temple. We also went to the Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, which was absolutely stunning. Lots of members said that it was the most beautiful building they had ever seen. Also, singing karaoke with the whole choir was momentous. In Japan they seat you in private rooms, and groups are provided with controllers for choosing songs, along with a tambourine and maracas. It's different but a lot of fun. Some members went to dinner at a crazy restaurant one night where they got locked up in jail cells. Oh, and singing was wonderful as well. Tokyo was so busy and alive.
TMW: Did you notice any cultural differences?
AC: There were lots of funny signs that had been translated into English, but my favorite difference was that, in Japan, there are temples and shrines around any and every corner. It was really neat to see spirituality blended into people's every day lives.
TMW: Were there any differences in being in Japan with a group as opposed to the idea of traveling alone?
AC: It was pretty amazing to go traveling with forty of your closest friends. Although, while there were lots of fun times, it was also hard to deal with getting everyone anywhere.
TMW: How was the tour experience? Any favorite or least favorite moments?
AC: Touring was absolutely fabulous. The worst part was that it all felt so rushed-I know that all of us wish we could have been there longer. Traveling abroad with a group of people that I love and trust has been one of my favorite college experiences by far.
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