Meeting our FDNY firefighter colleagues

We arrived at Ladder 10, Engine 10 (the fire station nearest to Ground Zero) reflecting on our 911 Museum tour.

It was bitterly cold and we couldn't wait to get inside and in the warm. Two fire engines were housed there, along with two diesel pumps (that certainly wouldn't happen in Cheshire), and many sets of firefighter kit.

Space was tight with 24 choir members inside. There were literally hundreds of pieces of memorabilia adorning the walls, given by firefighters on visits from around the world. It is clear that this station is a popular stop for visitors.

When we arrived the crew stopped what they were doing to come and speak to us about our visit to New York. We spoke about the museum trip and that we were singing at the 9/11 Memorial. They said that they would be there to watch us and asked if we could sing to them there and then.

Singing The Rising to the FDNY firefighters was a performance we will never forget. We enjoy singing and with the help of our Musical Director Ruairi Edwards we raised the roof at Ladder 10.

Following photos and chats about life as a firefighter in New York we made our way back outside into freezing temperatures.

Back at the hotel we stole a few hours for choir practice in one of the function rooms. We’re performing with the Manchester Camerata on 25th February, at Crewe Lyceum Theatre, so songs need to be learnt and perfected for ‘Fatal Distraction’. It’s a performance featuring firefighters, young people from across Cheshire and musicians from Manchester Camerata and it has been specially written to promote road safety for younger drivers.

In fact, we have choir practice every day from here on in, the next few being for the concert "Music of Joy and Sorrow” at Carnegie Hall on Monday. We just can’t believe we are going to be singing at the world-famous Carnegie Hall! During this concert performing with choirs from all over the world, we will be singing 'Stabat Mater' and Jubilate Deo by Welsh composer Paul Mealor.

Last updated: Friday 12 February 2016

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