Day 1 of the recording is complete!

We started out the day with your typical Polish breakfast. I will not go into great detail, but for memories sake, think cucumbers and bread. I was very grateful to get food in my stomach before we launched into recording. We boarded the bus shortly after 9 and had a short 1/2 hour ride to the Radość Seminary.

After briefly getting settled the room erupted into a flurry of jumping jack and all manner of heart pumping exercise, which lasted, or was supposed to last, a full 60 seconds. Then came the vocal form of exercise in order to get us into recording mode.

Our first take of the day on ‘Blagoslovi’ proved much more difficult than originally anticipated. However, after a few takes, and maybe a few more, we managed to get a half-decent track. Proceeding that, we managed a run of Ojcze Nasz that Mr. David called ‘pretty’, in this case, not what we wanted. After we had these two songs done, we seemed to lock into recording mode and things started to run more smoothly. Throughout the day we had 5 to 10-minute breaks which greatly helped our mental state.

By the time noon rolled around our stomachs started talking to us, so we had an hour break to satisfy their needs. Alleluia, Te Deum, and Wo Ist Ein, though slightly more complex, went decently well.

Following a snack break, which included decadent brownies, we continued on to Wsród and Tryumfy, two Polish carols. Being filled with Christmas joy we continued on with Angels We Have Heard. After laying down a solid track, a vote was taken as to which song we’d like to get a few more takes, and the majority voted for Eventide. We sang through it twice and then it was off to the cafeteria for more food.

On the trip back to Gustaw’s, we stopped at a Biedronka and seeing how there was an ice cream truck outside the store, we took full advantage of the situation. Upon reaching our destination snacks were shared and games were played. Many a game of Corn Hole took place, however Jeron and Sheryl would not be beaten. In the meantime, various other games and conversations were taking place. One by one people started disappearing until 11 when Mr. Dervin proclaimed lights out.

Formal apologies to any of you Hope Singers who are reading this thinking, ‘the songs aren’t in perfect order’. Well, my brain isn’t either so we’ll just have to deal with it. But none the less thanks for sticking with me.