Harmony, friendship, laughter: 2024 choir tour reflections
Choir students had a fun-filled tour spent visiting historic landmarks and singing in lofty venues.
Bethel College's Concert Choir embarked on a journey during their 2024 tour, leaving a trail of music and memories in every city they visited. From the vibrant streets of Dallas to the historic landmarks of Memphis and Tupelo, the choir tour took Bethel students through the heart of the South.
Senior Denzel Dixon, from Newark, Del., shared his reflections on the tour, highlighting the impact of music on communities and individuals. "It was an eye-opening experience for me," Dixon expressed, thinking about their performance at the Civil Rights Museum and the Lorraine Motel, realizing the significance of singing at locations deeply rooted in history. "Singing where Dr. King actually walked, it made me think about those things," he added.
Dixon's sentiments were echoed by junior Eddie Gaeddert from Goessel, who found the tour to be a unique opportunity for personal growth and friendship. "Choir tour to me is a really special time where I get to hang out with people that I might not like hanging out with otherwise," Gaeddert remarked, highlighting the camaraderie between choir members during their travels.
One of the standout moments for Gaeddert was their visit to St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson Mississippi, where he felt a profound sense of peace and beauty amidst the impressive architecture. "I just remember standing there looking around, and it felt like I was just in a really nice place; peaceful and calm,” he shared.
The tour not only offered musical enrichment but also served as a catalyst for new friendships and the deepening existing bonds. Dixon fondly recalled moments spent with fellow choir members, including playful interactions and shared laughter. "Corbin is unintentionally funny," Dixon chuckled. “We started off racing on scooters, and I was joking when I said: ‘Shirtless. Why not?’ He was like, let's just do it. He took his shirt off, so we all did it,” said Dixon, laughing about their lighthearted moments together.
For Gaeddert, the tour was an opportunity to break out of his shell and connect with choir members on a deeper level. "I think I finally found people that I can reliably hang out with and have a good time," he expressed. “I feel like I've gotten a lot closer to some members of the choir this year and I don't really know why but I'm happy about it.”
The tour also provided invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptability. Dixon emphasized the importance of pushing oneself outside of comfort zones and giving one's best for the collective success of the choir. "I kind of see it as just bigger than me," he stated.
Gaeddert encouraged aspiring musicians to explore the enriching opportunities that choir participation offers. "If you have any interest in joining choir, you definitely should do it," he urged. Choir tour offers an opportunity for personal and social growth among Bethel music students.