This year, Drake Choir members will catch an early start to Spring Break. Instead of lounging in the sun, however, they will head east for their annual regional tour.
The bus tour is scheduled to last from March 10 to 14, with stops planned at the Basilica of Saint Francis in Dyersville, Iowa, on March 10; at St. James Church in Chicago, Ill., on March 11; and on Saint Mary’s College campus in South Bend, Ind., on March 12.
The singers’ final night is designated as a “bonding day” in Chicago. Members said they are excited to visit the different venues and spend time together.
“Downtown Chicago will be the most fun,” Drake Choir President and senior Max Maher said. “It will be a time for people in the choir to get to know each other even better.”
The trip serves not only to showcase the choir’s musical talent, but also helps to reconnect with alumni, connect with prospective students and challenge the choir to be vocally adjustable and compatible in different settings, says Director of Choral Studies Aimee Beckmann-Collier.
Maher agrees and feels the tour will strengthen the choir’s musical skills.
“(It) definitely brings new challenges to the choir,” Maher said. “Singing in different acoustics will be challenging and fun. Every day we sing in Sheslow (Auditorium), so [different acoustics] will help us develop a better sense of musicianship.”
For Beckmann-Collier, the tour will bring her back to her roots.
“Dyersville was my parents’ hometown, and I have a lot of relatives there,” Beckmann-Collier said.
Furthermore, St. Mary’s College is Beckmann-Collier’s alma mater.
As president, Maher prepares speeches to encourage donations, but most of the costs are covered.
Beckmann-Collier says the trip is funded largely by Drake University grants, but home stays and potluck dinners gifted by local residents and churches help cut costs.
Throughout the trip, Beckmann-Collier hopes the students’ hard work shines through.
“The goal of the trip is to allow people to see not only how wonderful our singers perform, but how well they serve as ambassadors for Drake University,” Beckmann-Collier said.
Regional Tour Schedule:•Wednesday, March 10 – The Basilica of Saint Francis in Dyersville, Iowa•Thursday, March 11 – Saint James Church in Chicago•Friday, March 12 – Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana
