Recently, the Southwestern University Singers embarked on a concert tour to Costa Rica. This trip marked the 19th country that The Singers have visited, along with their fourth tour since the COVID pandemic. An international tour requires months of preparation and commitment. Thus, the students truly shine as they share the culmination of their efforts.

Led by Johnathan Wall and accompanied by Dr. Devon Howard, The Singers kicked off the two-week tour here on campus with a performance for the visiting Queen of Palau, Beelung. Afterward, they departed for Costa Rica. The trip included back-to-back performances, many in partnership with various choral ensembles.
First, they joined Coro Universidad Nacional and Estudio Coral Florence on the stage at Universidad Nacional. This group continued to collaborate, performing at distinctive locations such as Iglesia de la Soledad San José, a cathedral built over 100 years ago. This concert also featured Estudio Coral Armentum. Following up, The University Singers partnered with El Coro Intermezzo at Capilla Santa Monica San Jose.

Finally, Universidad Adventista De Centro America not only invited The Singers to perform but also to stay several nights in their dormitories. As a result, the students welcomed Sabbath on an Adventist campus with the local church choir. They also performed during Sabbath worship hour. For many of the students, this was the last time they would share a stage with their Singers friends in song before departing Southwestern.

Notably, Southwestern alum, Esther Sousa, accompanied The Singers with her saxophone for the Costa Rica tour. Sousa graduated from Southwestern in 2022 with a degree in Music. As a student, Sousa dedicated herself to performing in the University Singers for all four years of attendance. In addition, she performed as the featured soloist at this year's A Night at the Meyerson, hosted in Dallas, Texas.

Besides singing, the students enjoyed a bit of tourism. Highlights included Finca Vikingos, a popular tourist attraction known for its scenic trails and picnic areas. Here, students enjoyed the natural beauty of Costa Rica. They also explored La Fortuna, a small town that boasted satisfying meals and the chance to swim in a local waterfall.

The Singers made several friendship connections throughout the trip. They mingled with fellow musicians and hosts, such as El Café Coral and UNADECA. Overall, the students also gained the opportunity to connect spiritually in worship to God.

We would also like to recognize a special member of the music department, Dr. Devon Howard, who accompanied The Singers on this trip. Dr. Howard has participated in these trips since his arrival at our University in 2017. Since 2018, he has been serving as the Department Chair. Dr Howard has described his time on these tours, saying, “Each of the tours is packed with unique experiences for music and cultural discovery specific to the countries being visited. Although each year is distinctive from the others in weather, sights and opportunities, every tour has been filled with unique concerts, chances to meet and engage with local musicians, fantastic food and memories that will last a lifetime.” He continues, describing what this tour in particular meant to him, being his last, “After a busy and stressful semester leading up to my transition, I was grateful to have the opportunity to spend time with colleagues and students focusing on our shared love of music and ministry.” SWAU is very appreciative of Dr. Howard's work and service and will remain a home and will remain a home for the Howard family always. The Singers, along with all those he made an impact on would like to express their gratefulness to him for his many years and wish him only the best in his future.

This tour is just one of several opportunities for Southwestern students to expand their learning outside of the classroom. While the semester may be over, the University Singers will start again in Fall 2024. The new year will bring fresh talent and new possibilities.

If you would like to learn more about the Southwestern Music Department, visit https://swau.edu/academics/music/performance/.