It all started on a charter bus, waiting impatiently to hear news from our fearless leaders: the amazing Doc, the talented Dr. Wachmann, the goofy Robby, the bubbly Sofia, and the kind Payton.

The wind ensemble had been long awaiting the time, the time where they would finally fulfill their destinies and board the plane bound for Tokyo, Japan for their 2019 international tour. The week leading up to this takeoff had been long, tenuous, and full of hurry up and wait and get ready as they prepared for this trip of a lifetime. After all the preparations, the fundraising, the practicing…. it had all paid off… they were finally doing it. They were going to Japan.

After a very long wait through baggage check and security, the group waited impatiently to board the large aircraft that had more than 60 rows, 9 chairs a row. While they waited to board, many members stopped for a quick bite, coffee, and one last bathroom break. With water bottles filled and excitement and anxiety at a high, the 55 members of the wind ensemble 2019 tour departed for their destination.

Flight DL 121 from delta carried the group along with many others. To help ease the length of the flight, the courteous flight attendants offered ample beverages, snacks, delicious meals, and in flight entertainment. Encouraged to sleep as much as possible, many members slumbered while the plane edged closer to Tokyo. Some of the band are experienced flyers, some are new flyers. Some are lovers of flights and some are haters. I for one could feel the tension and excitement as we took off, flying high into the sky. Immense excitement swelled in me to experience my first time out of the US and only my second flight in my life, both with my band family.

For some; this flight and trip might be one of many, and for some it may be one of the few they take in their life. Experiencing this amazing culture and way of life as a band family is something that will forever change the entire wind ensemble, and Doc and Dr. Wachmann are leading the way, sharing what they know with the band. The majority of the flight is a lot of relax, eat, watch a movie, walk around, and let the excitement come to you as the hours tick by. A new understanding and respect for such a beautiful culture that is so different from ours will allow all the members to have times to be humble, to learn, to share, and so much more.

Upon the flight’s landing, the members will unboard the plane in the Tokyo airport. The wind ensemble will go through customs with sheets filed out provided by the flight attendants with various information, and be off on this life changing adventure. The ride is smooth so far and I am so excited the closer and closer we get to Japan.

The whole crew landed safe and sound in Japan around 1:30pm! We are on our way to an amazing three weeks. It still hasn’t really hit me that we’re in Japan… but I’m sure it will soon and I am so excited that I have the opportunity to grow and learn from this once in a lifetime experience! Here are a few pictures of the flight and our group when we were in the Tokyo airport!!