On the Road with Joanne Robinson: Show 257, Chautauqua, NY

Performers, alums, and BFFs
Laura Park and Allie Switala

We have had an unusually busy summer here at From the Top. We were in China very recently (look out for a blog about that adventure next week!), but right before leaving the country we taped a show at the famous Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York. What a gorgeous place to spend the summer! It’s a lakeside village that comes alive each year with tons of arts and education programs. Several of our alumni were there studying music.

When we first arrived I immediately ran into alums Laura Park and Allie Switala, who would be participating in our taping. They are both so bubbly and fun, I loved reconnecting with them. I also ran in to another From the Top alum, sax player Justin Moser who was on our show a year and a half ago. He was working part-time at the Athenaeum Hotel and looking very official in his bellhop uniform.

We taped the show in the huge outdoor Amphitheater to one of the largest audiences we’ve ever had. What a thrill to look out into the crowd and see such a huge sea of faces. And the musicians certainly rose to the occasion; every one of the performances was top notch. I was particularly floored by 18-year-old soprano Emily Helenbrook. When she began to sing at our music rehearsal the night before, my jaw dropped.

I enjoyed this show so much I made an extra long sneak peek video for you! Check it out, and don’t forget to tune in when this show airs the week of October 22.