Delta College’s Jazz Singers and Chamber Choir take their first tour since the pandemic shut down the world
By Mikaila Bluew
Delta College’s Chamber Choir and Jazz Singers took their first tour in Petoskey since the Covid pandemic disrupted the world in 2020.
While the groups have held concerts at Delta since then, this tour marks a new beginning. For many performers, it symbolizes the end of pandemic-era restrictions.
“Oh man, I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am because it means the end of that restriction,” said the Director of Choral Activities Dr. Tim Hendrickson. “In 2016, Chamber Choir and the Chorale went to Germany and Austria and participated in an international festival and competition. When COVID happened, all of that went away; we lost the ability to go on tour and concerts got canceled. It was devastating and nearly wiped out the program. So, this is a huge shot of adrenaline for me and for the singers.
The Chamber Choir was radiating excitement to share their passion and hard work the day before their tour.
“Music is a foundational thing for everything. Music is what creates the soul. Music is what records time. Music is what combines everything and everyone on any certain level,” said Delta staff and member of the chamber choir Amy Howard. “It’s in fact one of the only things that you can do whether you’re playing music or singing music that uses both hemispheres of your brain at the same time. So, it’s an incredible experience to be able to perform music and to be able to connect with music and connect with other people through music.”
Members of the ensemble emphasized the importance of sharing this fundamental form of self-expression with others.
“I’m just hoping that this leads to more opportunities, you know?” said choir member Jude Hernandez. “More popularity within the choir, more people joining, because it really is a great program with Dr. H.”
The choir encourages students to join any of Delta’s three ensembles to experience performing abroad and building lasting friendships through music.
Delta College will be hosting the Fall Choralscape on Nov. 23, and the Winter Concert on Dec. 14. All are invited to join the unique musical experience the Chamber Choir creates.
“At this moment, at this time, I feel that music is integral to anyone who wants to express themselves,” Hendrickson said.For information on how to audition to join the Jazz Singers, the Chamber Choir, or the non-auditioned choir, contact timothyhendrickson@delta.edu or visit room S131.
