California Baptist University 2022

Music The sound of

Students feel the excitement as they resume group performances together

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Soprano Michaella Schaffer held back tears while standing in the midst of harmonies dancing and blending together beautifully. After a one-year intermission, California Baptist University music programs came

Because I started my college journey online last year, I almost feel like I’m starting off brand new in the choral ensembles.” As the choral programs here at CBU begin to transition back to being in person, the program is taking to the road in 2022 for its 20th-anniversary

back with full performance schedules this year, and students were able to perform with their fellow musicians in person. Schaffer is a sophomore elementary education major who is in two choirs, University Choir and Orchestra and Rhapsody Choir. “It feels absolutely incredible to be back in person. I can’t

tour. Alex Mendoza is a junior commerical voice performance major who also is in UCO. Schaffer Ring and Mendoza all said they were most excited for one concert in particular: A CBU Christmas. This concert welcomes guest musicians, and all the CBU choirs gather together. “We’re all working very hard in our rehearsals so God can shine through us,” Ring says. “My most favorite part of choir is being surrounded by so many talented musicians and singers. I think it’s cool that while not all of us are

We’re all working very hard in our rehearsals so God can shine through us. Alex Mendoza junior commercial voice performance major

believe how much I took singing with a group of other people for granted,” she says. “Hearing

harmonies blend for the first time after Zoom classes nearly brought me to tears.” The University Choir and Orchestra consists of 175 singers and instrumentalists, including Jonathan Ring, sophomore civil Eengineering major, who shared Schaffer’s sentiment. “It feels really cool getting to be in person again and singing with other people too.

music majors, we’re all united because of our love for music and that God has used it to bless us in so many aspects of our lives. He sure has blessed me through it, and I can’t wait to see how all our musical talents combined will help others see how great God really is.”

ON THAT NOTE (upper left) Students rehearse before their performance, practicing for several hours every day. IN UNISON (lower left) Choir members come together, blending their voices in harmony.

WORDS Faith Brazil

PHOTO Courtesy of the School of Music

DESIGN Amanda Palacios

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Music