Northwestern College A cappella Choir to tour in Taiwan over spring break

Northwestern College’s A cappella Choir is finalizing plans for its spring break tour of Taiwan March 5–14.

The 44-member ensemble will perform at a variety of venues, including public concerts, private events, church worship services, middle schools, high schools, universities and hospitals. “We are partnering with the National Presbyterian Church of Taiwan, which has many existing outreaches and relationships already established in the area,” says Dr. Thomas Holm, professor of music and conductor of the choir. “We are offering our music as an extension of their work.”

The tour will begin and end in the capital city of Taipei. Students will also spend some time in the eastern area of Hualien.

The choir’s repertoire will include a variety of styles, texts and languages. Because the performance venues will vary significantly, Holm is tailoring the concert program to each setting and audience. “We will present sections of sacred music, of spirituals and gospel, and of virtuosic pieces,” says Holm. “We are intentionally showcasing a lot of favorite, high-quality American music, but we are also learning some Taiwanese pieces.” For one concert, the ensemble will rehearse and sing with a local children’s choir. First, they’ll perform a popular Taiwanese love song, followed by a gospel setting of “Amazing Grace.”

“We are already working on our cultural understanding of Taiwan’s history, politics, religion, educational traditions and various ethnic groups,” says Holm. “We are also working on spiritual preparation so we are ready and eager to serve, learn, accept and love. We’re hoping to see God work in and through us.”

The total cost of the trip is $1,700 per student. Each ensemble member is responsible for paying $800 out of pocket and raising an additional $500 through fundraising efforts. Donations to support the trip can be made by visiting nwciowa.edu/give2nwc, clicking “Other” in the designation box, and writing in “A cappella Choir.”