The Ouachita Baptist University Singers embarked on a customized, nine-day tour to Italy as part of the American Celebration of Music. Highlights included singing in Rome’s acoustically superior Santa Maria Sopra Minerva and singing in the Sistine Chapel. Dr. Gary Gerber reported:
“The joys that I had were seeing my students enjoy each other, be amazed at the scenery, architecture, artworks, chapels, churches, etc. That is my joy, seeing them learn, grow and become educated in ways they couldn’t imagine. Seeing the joy and smiles on their face as they see the David statue for the first time, or seeing their expression as we cut off a song and hearing it echo for what seemed like eternity. Those were my joys. I personally enjoyed every concert.
Singing in the Sistine Chapel was the highlight of the tour!! My students had an emotional and spiritual experience singing in the Sistine Chapel. This will be something they will remember for the rest of their lives. I am so thankful and grateful that this worked out for our tour. It was truly the high point for everyone!!
Performing in S. Maria Sopra Minerva – Wow, what a concert and what a venue in which to perform! I’m so glad this was the concert that was videotaped. The students were inspired by the church, the artwork, and the spiritual presence as we sang. The audience was very appreciative of our singing and couldn’t get enough music. We sang two encores. What a great experience for the students!
I was well pleased with every conversation I had with the Music Celebrations International [MCI] team. They were informative, patient, knowledgeable, funny, and courteous. I always felt like they were looking out for my group’s best interests. They were on my side throughout the entire process. It was truly a team approach to make the tour a success. This was evident throughout MCI’s personnel. I couldn’t have asked for a better team of MCI specialists to help plan our tour.”
Dr. Gary Gerber, Director
Ouachita Baptist University