Alajuela, Costa Rica….[Libna Stevens/IAD]
It was all about music for hundreds of Seventh-day Adventists who traveled to participate in Inter-America’s First Choir and Band Festival from Mar. 28-31, at the Central American Adventist University in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
The event, which brought choir and band members from university and secondary schools in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica, had a full schedule of performances, seminars, and togetherness during the four-day event.
Called “Reaching God Through Music”, the festival was designed “to emphasize praise music when worshiping God, promote good music among the youth in Adventist institutions and promote Adventist educational institutions in our territory,” said Dr. Moises Velazquez, director of the Office of Education for the church in Inter-America.
Local and visiting choirs and bands were able to attend seminars on vocal techniques, philosophy of music, among others, and performed at orphanages and local churches throughout the community.
Victor Vargas, a representative of the Costa Rica Cultural Ministry, spoke at the opening ceremony.
“I am very happy to be among so many talented young people,” he said. “I invite you to continue sharing your art, your artistic gifts and as you travel through the good path of life in search of beauty, you can contribute to the creation of a world more human.”
“We [as Seventh-day Adventists] believe that all music that the Christian listens to, plays or composes, whether it be sacred or secular, should praise God,” said Dr. Velazques to the assembly. He said music is woven into the fabric of God’s creation.
Special honor was given to Dr. Vernon Andrews, current vice-president for the church in the Caribbean, and Enrique Andrea, music professor at the Central American Adventist University. They were recognized for their dedicated service to education and music.
“Those who observe us should see our life as a sweet melody to please and attract others,” said Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America. “We should be as consistent as the rhythm in the music.”
Individual choirs and band performed concerts during the last day, then joined together as one large choir and band in the performance of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.
Organizers said they were happy with the success of this first such event in the Inter-American territory.
According to Dr. Velazquez, plans are underway for local music festivals to take place in several of the church regions of Inter-America for 2008. The next Inter-American Division territory-wide choir and band festival is planned for 2009 in Jamaica.
