The Marimba Ensemble

The past summer was memorable for the marimba players. Ten of the regular performers participated in a journey to the east coast, where they visited Boston, New York, Perth Amboy in New Jersey and Souderton, Pennsylvania.

The trip was inspired three years ago by Helen Keller, a member of the ZION Mennonite Church in Souderton, located just north of Philadelphia. Helen attended a luncheon performance by the marimba during a Rotary Club convention at McCormick Convention Center in Chicago. Being a marimba player herself, she began to dream about the possibility of the marimba traveling to Pennsylvania.

The dream became a reality when concert organizer Jon Leight presented a proposal for the marimba to come to town, and organizers for the 21st Souderton's Concert Sundaes agreed to host the ensemble.

Since the Marimba Ensemble was traveling to Pennsylvania, contact was made with the Youth Wellness Center of Boston, as well as a Claretian Parish in Perth Amboy, next to New York City. The scene was set for the young people to get a taste of history, from the American revolution as they walked the freedom trail in Boston, to a tour around Manhatten in New York, to close view of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. They also spent a day in Gettysburg learning about the Civil War.

Highlights of the trip included meeting the many wonderful people and hosts of the group, as well as a visit to Sandy Hook Beach in the Jersey shore.

The trip took place from July 20th thru the 29th, 2008. Thank you to everyone who encourages and supports these performers!