Vox Pro Musica & Mosaic Strings Tour Phoenix

During winter break, Pacific Union College’s music department toured Phoenix, Arizona. From February 6-9, their ensembles performed at Thunderbird SDA Academy and Elementary, Glenview SDA Academy, Paradise Valley SDA Church, Adventist Worship Center SDA Church, and Camelback SDA Church.

“We had wonderful performances,” said Ronnie Zanella, PUC’s associate music professor. “Both our groups performed at a very high level of musicianship.”

The two groups, comprised of 15 students, showcased different performances at each academy and church, while some students also led out in praise at academies. Seven pieces were performed by the Mosaic String Ensemble, while the Vox Pro Musica sang five songs. They held shorter performances at academies while performing a complete concert program over the weekend, with some pieces combining the groups.

Zanella shared that the men from Vox Pro Musica learned a quartet piece by the Heritage Singers hours before their concert at Camelback Church and performed it well. “It was interesting to discover all of them have the same interest in this more traditional type of acapella male quartet music,” he said. “It’s also amazing to see how trips like these really bond our students, and us faculty to them as well, creating a safe and fun environment to be in.”

The ensembles were accompanied by PUC's music department Chair Rachelle Berthelsen Davis, Zanella, PUC President Ralph Trecartin and his wife Virginia, and PUC Executive Assistant and Enrollment Counselor Andrianna Massena and her husband Bryan.

PUC Enrollment Counselor Glanelle Ejurango and member of the Mosaic Strings shared that she and the students enjoyed the trip. "There were many laughs, inside jokes, car jamming and karaoke sessions, late-night conversations, and most of all, the togetherness of community," she said.

From the various places they visited, audiences gave incredibly kind remarks, sharing their interest in having PUC visit them again. Their performance at Paradise Valley not only attracted an in-person crowd but also hundreds who tuned in online to watch.

PUC's music department is already planning next year's tour. Although those plans include staying domestic, Zanella dreams about having their music groups travel abroad to Europe or South America.

Zanella shared that students were very happy and proud of their performances. “It also looked like they had a great time and a lot of fun hanging out together,” he continued. “The great music we made together, the friendships that were created or strengthened, and the new connections we made in the Phoenix area.”