This is what it means to +Be More, expanding talent, influence, and mission beyond borders.

Being a part of the University Singers at Southwestern Adventist University is a ticket to unique experiences. The goal of the department chair and choir director, Jonathan Wall, is to provide the members of the elite traveling choir with new audiences and connections in new parts of the world. The latest trip came about due to an application process to host a concert at the historical Methuen Memorial Music Hall in Methuen, Massachusetts.

The Hall houses the original organ built in Germany for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. A private donor bought the organ and built the Hall just to house the organ in 1909. Today, the spectacular building is known for a wide range of concerts and music events, including the prestigious annual Summer Organ Concert series.

The response to the application, which included samples of the University Singers performances, came with a surprising request – sing for the Methuen Memorial Music Hall Gala and the concert fees would be waived. Two performances in one weekend? Deal!

“It was a surreal experience to be singing somewhere so beautiful with amazing people,” enthused Isabella Brito, a University Singer and a Massachusetts native. “Even though I’m from Massachusetts, I had not heard of the Methuen Hall until the Singers; the history of it is impressive and it was a privilege to be able to sing there. I had an amazing time going back to where I'm from, with my fellow University Singers!”

While in the area, the Singers took the opportunity to share music and recruit for SWAU at Pine Tree Academy and South Lancaster Academy (SLA). Some of the SLA choir members were able to join the Singers for their concert at Methuen Hall. The Singers and Director Wall took home 80 interest cards for new potential students.

Another exciting development came out of the experience. Lindsay Johnson, SWAU 2020 alum and former adjunct music professor, accompanied the Singers as their organist.

After the concert, Johnson said she had a wonderful conversation with several members of the Methuen Memorial Board of Trustees. “They were incredibly enthusiastic about the University Singers and expressed interest in inviting the choir back for future performances. As we continued talking, they were also very complimentary of my organ playing and accompanying. They mentioned that the Methuen organ can be a daunting instrument to ‘just hop on and play,’ especially since this was the first concert using the newly refurbished, movable console, now positioned off to the right side of the stage.

I shared a bit about how I prepared—studying the stop list, listening to recordings, and doing everything I could to understand the instrument in advance. They told me they were impressed with the preparation and the performance, and by the end of our conversation, they extended an invitation for me to return as a performer in their Summer Concert Series!”

“Our trip to Boston was such a great experience,” shares Singers member Jasmin DaSilva. “I especially appreciated getting to sing with my fellow University Singers in the historic Methuen Hall and learning about all the history and architecture behind it. The colorful fall trees and the warm welcome from our hosts made the day feel really special. The best part was getting to sing alongside Il Voće, the choir I graduated with from SLA, which made the whole moment feel full-circle.”