Touring the Sunshine State

During winter long weekend, the SJS Chapel Choir traveled to Florida for several singing engagements and fun in the sun! Head Chorister Elsa Jenkins '19 shares her thoughts on highlights of the trip.

The choir gathered Sunday morning for a “perfect photo-op” just outside the landmark Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Palm Beach. We were honored to lead worship at such a beautiful church. (The webstream is archived on the church website).

SJS Choir outside Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church

Sunday afternoon we had free time to shop—or pretend to—on the trendy Worth Avenue before going to a wonderful Super Bowl party hosted by the Purnell family.

Choir members shopping at Louis Vuitton on Worth Avenue

Father Dunnan speaking to the choir at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and School following their school chapel service where we sang for 450 elementary and middle school students. Some of them marveled about the idea of spending the night at their school for the whole year!

Father Dunnan gives the choir at pep talk at St. Mark's Episcopal Church

One of the favorite activities of the trip was a guided culinary tour of Little Havana. We learned about Cuban culture and music while sampling tasty treats from many of the shops.

Guided tour of Little Havana

Lined up for the procession prior to Choral Evensong at Trinity Episcopal Church, Vero Beach. We spent the afternoon rehearsing together with the choir of St. Edward’s School. With 70 singers combined, we made a glorious sound!

Choir lined up at Trinity Episcopal Church in Vero Beach, FL

Kitty gets a close up introduction to a baby alligator.

Getting up close with a baby alligator

At the Loggerhead Marinelife and Rehabilitation Center, we learned about how one woman not only started an education center, but also started a movement to improve conservation of habitats for sea turtles throughout the state of Florida.

Baby sea turtle at the Loggerhead Marinelife and Rehabilitation Center

An airboat tour in the Everglades rounded out our introduction to environmental habitats and wildlife in south Florida.

Airboat tour of the Everglades

Singing at Bethesda-by-the-Sea was almost like singing in an English cathedral! We now travel with our beautiful new, and distinctive, Saint James banner, seen at right.

SJS Chapel Choir at Bethesda-by-the-Sea

Taking in a final sunrise (and a brave morning swim) on Miami Beach before heading to the airport.

Sunrise at Miami Beach