Baltimore, MD

February 25, 2024

After a slow start, we headed to Fay’s Diner for breakfast. Typical freshman activities ensued - turns out Frank didn’t bring any cash (like at all). Chirp also left his wallet (and pants?) in the car, and somehow lost the car keys in the process of retrieving those. Can’t take these guys anywhere…

Next stop, Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore! We met with Thomas and Charlie from the Loyola Chimes at Starbucks before heading to R House for lunch. There were lots of good food options, I personally tried the ice cream which was delicious. I liked it so much that I actually left my debit card there for next time… seriously I don’t know where it went so if someone finds it please let me know.

We then headed over to Fells Point. It was a cute little area with some beautiful views overlooking the harbor and some huge cargo ships. We visited a record store and a spice shop to get some fancy tea. Frank and Chirp discovered a “canon event.” Sam went to see his friends at Johns Hopkins, and then Owen and I went to the Admirals Cup for some live music! Yacht rock, of course.

Next: we rehearsed with the Loyola Chimes! We traded some songs, learned some warmups and “Valenchimes,” and the Chimes talked dirty to us (with their rendition of “Talk Dirty to Me” by Jason Derulo ft. 2 Chainz). We then met up with the other groups, the Belles and the Greysounds, to play some games and then we had a surprise dance party! Brett performed his signature coffee grinder (see ICCA 2023), it was so crazy that Chirp knocked over his water bottle! Silly Chirp.

We wrapped up the night by getting food and socializing with the different groups, performing a final group chorus of the Billy Joel classic “For the Longest Time” at midnight, garnering at least 1 noise complaint (that’s how you know you did it right). Big thank you to the Chimes for having us and being such great hosts!

Till tomorrow…

Max

Day 2