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Grace University Musicians Return from Tour of China
The Grace University Brass Ensemble and Clarinet Trio returned to Omaha on May 26, following a two-week concert tour in China. The groups performed 13 concerts, “none of which I’d leave out if we had it to do over again” said director Jeff James. “Each one was well received, with audiences eager, excited, and wanting more.” Most performances were followed by a lengthy time of question-and-answer, as well as many one-on-one conversations. “They seemed to never tire of talking with us,” he said.
The 15-member team included 10 musicians and 5 family members. Their 4-months of preparation included a lot of education about China as well as rehearsing the music. While on tour, all the personal interaction and sightseeing also taught them a great deal about China.
James credits the success of the concert tour to God’s work through prayer. He said, “There are so many ways we saw God’s hand in it. To name a few: The $48,000 required all came in ahead of deadlines. A few team members had minor illnesses (I had five!), and some of us got pretty sick when the tour was over, but no one missed a performance. We had people with asthma and allergies, but they had no trouble. We performed 13 concerts, all successful and well-received. We performed for over 7,000 people. Audiences were very responsive and showed their appreciation in many ways at each performance.
James also credits Face to Face International. “They are excellent,” he said. “They planned all the travel and lodging. They produced brochures helpful in fundraising as well as a 60-page Essentials for Team Members Going to China book. Their Team Leader Training seminar was helpful too.
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JinShuan High School |
Brass Ensemble at Shiyuan Fuzhong High School |
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