ISHIKAWA VIOLIN INSTITUTE REPORT 


THE 2001 US TOUR

South Florida　

January 26 - February 6, 2001 

Our visit to the US in 2001 was memorable. We presented concerts and demonstrations at schools for hundreds of students. Suzuki Music Academy director Richard Coff had invited us to South Florida, and on January 26 we began the long journey to Ft. Lauderdale:

Starting at the Miyazaki airport -- we traveled to Haneda airport --- then a bus ride to the Narita airport -- flight over the Pacific and across the US to Dallas airport -- and finally to Miami International Airport. We had arrived at the opposite end of the earth! 

 

Friday, Jan 26 - Miami International Airport - Welcome to the US by a party from the Suzuki Music Academy.

 

Then we head to  baggage claims.

 

After loading luggage in the car, we have just time enough to pose for a picture before driving to Ft. Lauderdale.

 

Saturday, January 27 - We stay as guests of Dr, Sarah Ransdell's family. In the morning, Dr. Ransdell gave us a walking tour of the Ft Lauderdale neighborhood. We stop to get a good picture of Wiley, the dog of the house.

 

Students posing for picture in the Ransdell home's dining room.

 

That day, we also toured Ft. Lauderdale on a boat cruise, the Jungle Queen, a popular attraction that everyone enjoyed.

 

Alligator wrestling was a featured attraction on the cruise.

 

After the cruise, there is time for a swim in the pool.

 

On Sunday afternoon, January 28, we attend  recording session.

 

　

Monday, January 29 - So as not to miss a chance to swim, there is more swimming at the house of the Moxie family, our second host family.

 

 

 What trip would not be complete without sampling authentic American cuisine.

 

Exploring the new neighborhood.

 

Wednesday, January 30 - We were invited to perform four complete programs at the Parkway Middle School of the Performing Arts. The school has three orchestras. We were delighted to play with them in the concerts we performed at the school. Here we are perform music by Lully with a Suzuki Music Academy student (far left) and the Academy's director (far right).
We joined other Suzuki Music Academy students (seen below) in performances of music by Vivaldi, Bach, and Beethoven. 

 

Thursday, February 1 - We play the Bach Double Concerto for a large, enthusiastic audience of K - 5 children at the Panther Run Elementary School. 

 

Jin, Eikoh, and Yasufumi send best wishes from sunny South Florida.

 

Here we are having a fresh fruit feast with our new friends at the home of our third host family, the Spiece family. They operate the Spykes Grove, the leading exporter of citrus fruit in South Florida.  

 

Saturday, January 4 - At the bar-be-cue picnic at TY Park, kids had fun bike riding, playing baseball, football, 'Twister" and exploring the park. Here we take time out to play a little outdoor concert.
Special awards in recognition of outstanding accomplishment are presented to the tour group to commemorate the successful goodwill cultural exchange and performances for the schoolchildren of South Florida.

 

 

Two Suzuki Music Academy  students found a nice spot for some extra violin practice.

 

 

The long plane ride back to Japan.

 

We missed Japanese food. Its so good !!! 

 

February 6 - We finally arrive at the Miyazaki airport

 

 

More pictures coming soon!