A little something about us and our trip. . .

We thought that it would be helpful to our family and friends to have a small "bio" on each one of us as well as a little info on how we met.  The reason for this is that we are sure most of you only either know one of us, or know little of our relationship.  (Like the fact that it might have even existed ha ha)  We hope that this can be helpful or at least, interesting!

Here we go:

David Catalan is currently pursuing a degree in Music Education and will be completed with it at the end of this school year.  He attended Citrus College for several years and transferred over to Azusa Pacific University two years ago.  In Germany he will be studying music with members of the Heidelberg Philharmonic.  He will also have opportunities to play in various ensembles including chamber ensembles, orchestra and jazz band.  He has been studying composition and arranging for the past several years and is looking forward to furthering his study while in Germany.

Jessica Guy is also in her last year of college at APU and is working on her BM in French horn performance.  This will be her primary focus during her time in Germany.  While there, she will have the chance to play in a number of ensembles with students from the University of Heidelberg.  She is looking forward to study privately with the principal horn player of the Heidelberg philharmonic.

This program has been created by both Dr. Funderburk, the Dean of the APU School of Music, and Tim Schwartz, a musical instructor and contractor in Heidelberg.  Some of the courses we will be taking include: World Civilizations, Baroque and Classical music history, German 101, and Concert Music.  The purpose of this is to give the students an opportunity to study in a place that is rich in both culture and history. Both of us hope to use this time to grow, not only as musicians, but as individuals.

We are sure that now most of you are oh so interested to hear "our story" on how our relationship started.  It  all began about two years ago when David started going to APU.  We played in several ensembles together and instantly became friends.  At the beginning of this year we finally went out on our first date and everything has fit so perfectly into place since then.  Our time together has been a tremendous joy and blessing for both of us and we are thrilled with the fact that we can share this amazing opportunity in Germany.