Orchestra is often referred to as a group of people playing musical instruments together for an audience. Last November, the Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) Chamber Orchestra did just that. Playing for the Texico Conference Elder's Retreat in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the orchestra began a crescendo of their musical talent and opportunities, marking their first major trip on behalf of the university. 

The SWAU Chamber Orchestra, led by Dr. Rogério Nunes, put in a lot of effort to meet the expectations set for them. They were grateful to Pastor Lee-Roy Chacon, the president of the Texico Conference, for inviting them and giving them a chance to showcase the musical talent God had blessed them with. While the journey began with this kind gesture, the performance didn't end just there. The orchestra paid a visit to Sandia View Academy on their trip so they could perform for the students and share the SWAU experience as well. Dr. Nunes and the SWAU orchestra, accompanied by fellow music professor and department chair Dr. Devon Howard, saw this as an opportunity to get to know the students and hopefully see them one day on the SWAU Campus. The highlight of the trip for Dr. Nunes was the opportunity to share their music and worship with the Albuquerque Central Church, where guest pastors, members of the Texico Conference, and others were able to gather to worship together and enjoy all the orchestra had to offer. Lastly, the Chamber Orchestra was granted the opportunity to perform a full concert for the Rio Grande Spanish SDA Church and worship once more alongside them.

Besides working hard, the orchestra also got to play hard. During this trip, they visited Robertson & Sons Violin Shop, one of the largest violin shops in the country. Thanks to the kindness of Aaron Robertson, owner of the shop and friend of Dr. Nunes, the orchestra members were granted the opportunity to explore the vicinity and witness first-hand how violins are made and their repair process. One lucky student, Kyle Mather, was fortunate enough to even play on a cello worth $800,000 provided by Mr. Robertson. Another highlight of this trip was the chance they received to enjoy the majestic sights the Sandia Mountains had to offer. Standing at approximately 10,000 feet tall, these mountains gave the orchestra members a chance to enjoy themselves and connect with each other in the midst of God's beautiful creations. SWAU is proud of the opportunity the Chamber Orchestra was able to experience and looks forward to supporting Dr. Nunes and the orchestra members in future endeavors, not just for themselves but with Christ as their center.