Harmonies, Travel, and a Basement Chill

Every year, the Mount Marty College choir and jazz band embarked on a memorable tour across various cities in the Midwest, sharing their passion for music with diverse audiences. As a member of both ensembles, I experienced firsthand the excitement and camaraderie that filled each performance and every shared moment on the road. Our nights were spent with Mount Marty alumni, who graciously welcomed us into their homes, offering comfort and hospitality after long days of performing. However, during one stay in Omaha, I discovered the unexpected chill that can creep in through a basement floor—especially when sleeping on an inflatable bed. That frosty night was a tough lesson in resilience, but it only made our performances the next day all the more meaningful. Join me as I recount the unforgettable experiences and heartfelt connections forged on the Mount Marty Music Tour.

In the chilly dawn of a March morning in 1988, our MMC music tour crew gathered excitedly on campus, bundled up against the crisp air in our new jackets designed specifically for the tour. As we prepared to embark on what would become an unforgettable journey, the energy was palpable. We loaded the instruments under the soft glow of the early spring sun rising over the horizon, before climbing onto the fancy bus rented for the trip. Our first destination was Sioux City, a vibrant hub where local Mount Marty alums eagerly awaited our arrival. The short three-hour drive was filled with laughter and impromptu singing, but as we crossed into Sioux City’s welcoming city streets, the cold was quickly forgotten against the warmth of our first audience and the thrill of performing live. That first stop set the tone for the entire tour, blending the excitement of travel with the unifying power of music that carried us through each town, stage, and unforgettable night ahead.

Once we reached the Cathedral of the Epiphany, the congregation warmly welcomed us with a hearty lunch that revitalized our group for the demanding afternoon ahead. Once we had regained our energy, we promptly arranged the sound system in the magnificent hall, meticulously fine-tuning microphones, speakers, and mixing boards to achieve flawless acoustics within the cathedral’s grand and resonant interior. As everything fell into place, excitement mounted, and soon we presented our very first piece to the eager audience. When the band launched into the spirited beat of "In the Mood," I sensed the spotlight shift gently onto me. My heart racing, I inhaled deeply and delivered my solo. To my great satisfaction and joy, every note was played with assurance and accuracy, the smooth tune flowing effortlessly from my trombone. In that electric instant, a profound sense of pride overwhelmed me—I was not merely a band member; my solo propelled this beloved piece forward. That solo etched itself as a pivotal memory, sparking my passion for performing and affirming that through dedication and practice, I could truly shine on stage. The harmony of our music combined with the cathedral’s breathtaking architecture fostered an unforgettable ambiance, making our inaugural performance a significant milestone for us and an enchanting experience for all who attended.

After the exhilarating performance, a wave of relief and accomplishment washed over us as we gathered in the reception hall to catch up and share stories with several MMC alumni who had come to watch the show. Their words of encouragement and insights from their own experiences at Mount Marty added an inspiring layer to the experience, reminding us of the strong community we were part of. Laughter and animated conversations filled the air as we exchanged memories and advice, creating a warm atmosphere of companionship. Eventually, we carefully loaded the gear onto the bus, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment. Climbing aboard, tired but energized, we began our journey to Omaha, already reflecting on the afternoon's highlights and looking forward to our evening performance.

Upon arriving at Marian High School, we were warmly welcomed by the Parent Association, who graciously served us a delicious dinner that energized us for the night ahead. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as families, students, and Mount Marty alumni gathered in the auditorium, creating a supportive and vibrant community environment. After the meal, we prepared backstage, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation. When it was time to perform, stepping onto the stage and facing the large, attentive audience was exhilarating. The cheers and applause that followed each of our numbers made every moment unforgettable, reflecting the school’s strong spirit and the Parent Association’s dedication to fostering meaningful connections through such events.

Following the show, four of us met the Zimmermans, who were kind enough to host us overnight. Upon arriving at their spacious residence, their warmth and hospitality immediately made us feel welcomed and at ease. This gracious family received us with heartfelt smiles and open arms, keen to ensure that our stay was as comfortable as possible. They had thoughtfully prepared a snug sleeping spot for us in their roomy basement, outfitted with soft linens and extra blankets to provide a cozy sanctuary after our day of performing. We were so worn out from the trip that we quickly sank into bed, slipping into a deep and peaceful sleep amidst the tranquil atmosphere of their home.

Two of the girls shared the basement bedroom, one took the couch, and I opted for the inviting air mattress. Suddenly, around 1 a.m., a piercing cold woke me abruptly; it seemed to seep relentlessly through the basement floor, chilling me to the core. The biting cold felt like icy fingers clutching me tightly, making any effort to warm up under the stacked blankets ineffective. Despite my repeated attempts to add more covers over the inflatable bed, each tremor pushed sleep further away. The quiet of the night only heightened the unsettling cold, and I wished I had chosen my sleeping space more wisely. This unexpected disturbance not only shattered my rest but also exposed the shortcomings of inflatable mattresses, revealing how small flaws can turn what should be a peaceful night into a long, chilly ordeal.

At breakfast, as our gracious host poured steaming cups of coffee and laid out a spread of fresh tropical fruits and warm pastries, she casually asked how we had slept the night before. Not wanting to disrupt the cheerful morning atmosphere or seem ungrateful, I offered a polite smile and a gentle, “Quite well, thank you,” carefully omitting the truth about my rather frosty experience on the air mattress. Although my body craved warmth and firm support, I chose to keep my discomfort private, valuing her hospitality and the anticipation of a day filled with new adventures. Occasionally, a little white lie preserves both harmony and the spirit of travel, turning what could have been a tale of sleeplessness into a shared moment of morning tranquility.

As the bus departed Omaha, heading toward Lincoln, the sun began to break through the fluffy clouds, casting a warm golden light over the open highway. The MMC music tour had created a rich tapestry of memories, from Iowa’s majestic cathedrals to the welcoming families of Nebraska, experiences I would cherish for a long time. In those moments spent with friends—whether performing on stage, engaging in conversation, or enduring the occasional chilly night—I realized that true harmony exists not only in the music itself but also in the bonds formed throughout the journey.

This is the jacket I wore while on tour.