choirs and bagpipes

Today is a beautiful day in St Andrews. It started out a bit windy and cold, but then the sun came out about 1, and now it is an absolutely stellar day, if still a bit windy. The waves are high in the ocean; the white caps greeted me this morning when I went to class... that never gets old.

I had class this morning. It was good, one of my favorite profs, and interesting material (theories on sexuality). Then a couple of us had brunch at Northpoint, a lovely little cafe not far from the English building (or my room, for that matter). Afterwards, I was going to go to the grocery store (Tesco's) and on the way, I noticed there was a concert in Younger Hall... I've seen signs for them before--Every Friday, the music society puts on free concerts at lunchtime. I'm usually on my way somewhere or it's later and I forget about it... but today, the concert was at 1:15, and I was walking by at 1:10... perfect! Anyway, the group performing was a mixed a capella group called the Alleycats... and they were so much fun! All 10 of them were really great singers (though they had a bit of trouble gelling in places... and sometimes overshadowed the melody)...but all in all, they were great... they did some older songs (from the 50s and later) mixed with some more contemporary stuff... sometimes in the same song! And they also were willing to sort of make fun of themselves at the same time (like they did a song were one of the guys rapped... but he also kind of played it up)... and a huge variety of music... Even sort of a reggae song. They switched the lead singer every song, and the people in the background did sort of rhythmic ahhing... and beatboxing and such. (Here's an example of beatboxing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnkq0t_e4gY&feature=related). The first song they did was "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours." Really energetic group!

Then, on my way to the store, I saw a bagpiper in full scottish outfit (kilt and all)... then realized he was playing as people came up for a wedding at St Salvator's chapel (part of St Andrew's campus). I think I saw more kilts today than I have the whole time I've been in Scotland! It was fantastic... :)