The Manchester Symphonic Band went to Puerto Rico for a music tour from January 24-January 30 to perform several concerts for the people there.  During this time our group of students, alumni, and professors played music, ate traditional food, visited the rainforest, and drove through the narrow winding roads of the more mountainous regions of Puerto Rico.  Although it is a commonwealth of the United States and not a country, the culture we experienced definitely made us feel like we were in a different place. 

  
The first part of our trip took place in Caimito, which is near San Juan, the capital.  We stayed in a house owned by a Brethren Church in Caimito, and our first concert was at an elementary school in front of a cheering crowd of very excited students.  Our concert repertoire was somewhat varied with Russian music, Jazz, music from England, and some American pop music.  Later, we played another concert for the community in a basketball court, which is a little different than playing in Cordier. 

  
At the end of the week, we drove through the mountains to Castañer, a small town with a couple of Brethren churches as well.  We stayed in the dorms of one church, and one evening we gave a community concert, and on Sunday morning we all split up to go play at different churches.  Sam Carwile especially liked visiting the other churches.  “I really enjoyed seeing the other churches, particularly the Brethren Church.  It was interesting to see a different part of the denomination and the variety in the church.”  Everyone had a unique experience, and we were able to share with each other what happened at the different services.

  
When we were not playing or traveling, we were sightseeing.  One day we went to the beach, which turned out to be a rather dangerous adventure.  Some people went climbing onto the rocks by the ocean, and some huge waves came crashing down on them, throwing them down onto the sharp rocks.  A few students were impaled by sea urchins, and others suffered deep cuts on their backs and legs.  Although some people were hurt, no lives were lost that afternoon.

  
We also visited Old San Juan, and some students were able to walk through the Spanish forts there.  At the end of our trip we went to El Yunque Rainforest and Ben Harvey enjoyed the hike through the rainforest. “Seeing the beautiful scenery was worth the difficult hike because I’ll never be able to see that sort of landscape in North Manchester, let alone the whole U.S.”   Although finding El Yunque was challenging, its beauty was worth the wait.  

  
Although I thought communication would be difficult, it really was not an issue because most of the people we talked with in Puerto Rico knew English.  This made it more difficult for those of us, including myself, who wanted to practice our Spanish skills.  When I did hear Spanish though, I enjoyed hearing a different accent than I am used to.

  
Besides learning a little something about language, I also learned a little more about the traditional food in Puerto Rico.  We usually ate meals that consisted of rice, beans, and chicken, which was always delicious.  Fried plantains and fruit were also common. 

  
While we were in Puerto Rico, we learned about what it means for Puerto Rico to be a commonwealth.  They do not have to pay the same federal taxes that we do, but they also do not get any votes in Congress and they cannot vote for the president.  Three options for Puerto Rico are becoming its own country, staying a commonwealth, or becoming the 51st state in the U.S.  As of now, the people are evenly split between staying a commonwealth and becoming a state.  Politics are a big deal in Puerto Rico, and it was interesting to find out what their situation is right now.

  
I had a great time in Puerto Rico and I learned a lot while I was there.  I am glad we were able to bring our musical gifts to the people of Puerto Rico, and I know they enjoyed listening to us.  It was exciting to be in a warmer climate at the end of January, but more than that, I enjoyed experiencing a different place and a different culture during our short stay in Puerto Rico.

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