Through the Eyes of a First-Year: Kris’s First International Tour

Having just ended Spain tour, let’s hear from a former first-year and how they enjoyed their first international tour with the Glee Club. Today I bring you Kristofer Ulanday, big pants extraordinaire and all-around good guy!

Hi, I’m Kristofer Ulanday. I’m a rising sophomore from the Poconos in Pennsylvania studying Computer Engineering. Going to the most historical and renowned cities of Spain never hit me until my first year of college was over, and, when the revelation hit, it hit me like a train. The club’s first venue was the crypt of the Sagrada Familia, Spain’s illustrious, towering cathedral that has been in construction for 143 years. Alongside the camaraderie of the bustling streets and the flamboyant architecture of Barcelona, I was in awe. We then traveled all across Northern Spain—walking the beaches of Tarragona and Sitges, enjoying the late nights in Lugo and Madrid, visiting ancient Roman walls and antiquated wineries, and traveling to the End of the World (on the northwest coast in Cape Finisterre) has truly been a magnificent exploration of culture in which I was bewitched.

Each cathedral we visited strengthened my love for our repertoire. Undoubtedly, it was a fight; the entire year felt like training for these three weeks, where each concert tested my vocal endurance, confidence, and musicality. Once we knew the music better and focused on our musical expression, I was enamoured by the resonating sanctity that my brothers and I created for every concert, ranging from sacred motets to vibrant spirituals. Likewise, being with the glee club emotionally charged my time in Spain with laughter, risks taken, and new friendships. Each dinner with the entire club was amazing and brimmed with song, and I learned so much about the other members when we would travel in smaller groups to get food on our own. I wouldn’t change a thing about my time in Spain nor a thing about my brothers in song. Thank you, Notre Dame Glee Club.