This past weekend was filled with many fun activities to celebrate Alumni Weekend, such as the Alumni concert held Saturday night. Many campus groups, such as the University Choir, Symphony, and Orchestra, performed. It was a fun time for students and alumni to come together and enjoy music performed by our beloved AU.
One of the biggest highlights of the concert was “Green Fields” by Andrews’ very own Daniel Soochkoff-Cerna (senior, music education). A few of the other selections included “Chimes of Liberty,” “O Divine Redeemer,” and “I Have Fixed My Mind.” The general theme was one of nostalgia and coming together as a family, aiming to receive the alumni back on their past campus as if they were returning home.
I interviewed a few students about how they enjoyed the concert. They were all excited to share their fun experiences with me. Colin Cha (junior, music) said, “I had a really good time! It was so refreshing to hear everyone playing and singing their hearts out. The choir especially made the whole concert experience feel warm and welcoming.” Aiko Ayala (junior, music) similarly described the event as “an amazing display of collaboration and passion.” She especially appreciated the “crossovers between ensembles.” Jonathan Clough (freshman, voice performance) spoke about how he greatly enjoyed the selections performed, describing them as “beautiful and inspiring.”
When asked about how the concert pointed to Andrews’ history, the students discussed the music choices and how they related to the AU legacy, drawing the alumni and current students together. Jonathan said, “I think music is a great way to connect the Andrews community of past and present.” He also referenced “I Have Fixed My Mind,” a song that depicts Adventist history through William Miller’s words, which encompasses the goal of the concert. He continued, “All of the pieces performed had an element of returning home that made the concert a really nostalgic experience. I think the concert helped the alumni recall their fond memories of Andrews.” Naomi Pelayo Cang (junior, music performance) touched on the relatability that certain alumni may have had, saying, “I am sure that more than one alumni experienced being at the orchestra, wind symphony, or choir, which could have reminded them of their personal experience when studying here.” She also touched on the importance of the current students’ presence, saying, “The participation of students as conductors, soloists, and composers worked (from my perspective) as a way to show the potential that students at Andrews have and how important they are for Andrews.” Aiko recalls with fondness the ending of the concert, saying, “The ovation was amazing!”
Overall, the concert was a beautiful experience for everyone involved, students and alumni alike. It was a reminder that Andrews University has been and continues to be a place of community, friendship, worship, and creativity. Here’s to many more beautiful memories!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.