Lee’s ensembles return to tour
All photos by Senior Reporter Annie Youther.
After a year of cancellations due to COVID-19 precautions, many Lee ensembles are preparing to travel again.
Though events were prohibited last year, the ensembles intentionally built up their community by welcoming new members. As schedules realign with familiar events and roles, focusing on community has become a large factor in preparation for fall tour.
Lee’s Symphonic Band is preparing for their longest tour of the semester. Student conductor Christian Davis is focusing on community building as fall break approaches.
“Fall tour is our biggest tour of the semester. We travel about two times a month to different churches for Sunday services, but fall tour is the pinnacle of our touring semester,” Davis said.
In anticipation of fall tour, keeping members connected to one another is the focus of Drake Skipworth, vice president of Symphonic Band. While being prepared entails the band adapting to schedule changes, it also means being open to communication.
“We’re preparing for our ministry for this semester by growing closer as a community. Over the past year, it’s been hard getting to know people on a deeper, emotional and spiritual level. Now that things are back up to speed, it’s different, and the biggest thing for Symphonic Band, which greatly benefits our excellent ministry, is our community aspect. Community is very important for our band,” said Skipworth.
Symphonic Band holds retreats to develop the skills and faith of the members.
“It’s interesting, because in some ways I have two first year classes, because last year’s first year students never really experienced this,” said Dr. Mark Bailey, director of Symphonic Band.
While on tour, the band hopes their service displays their community and faith.
“Another important thing is the community that was developed through our prayer and devotion, and how we worship together and prayed together,” said Bailey. “I said a prayer over all the new students — I do that every year — that God would lead them. It’s a pretty powerful experience… I know all the other ministry ensembles have this kind of way that we do things. And it provides such a strong sense of community to all the students that are in these ensembles.”
While preparation for tour brings new opportunities, Ladies of Lee members are now facing a busy schedule.
“I am maintaining my scheduling and tours by setting priorities in my life. Last year, we couldn’t tour,” said sophomore worship major Allison Glass. “The Ladies of Lee were blessed to get to sing this past spring semester, but now that we’re touring this year, I am having to learn how to balance classes, homework, my own practicing and preparing for touring all at the same time.”
In Evangelistic Singers, new members are adjusting to an environment of preparation for tours and concerts. Scheduling events has reminded members of their commitments to one another and the ministry.
“EVS is something that I knew would have to be a full-on commitment from the beginning, and so it is different having to book and check days off my calendar regarding tour dates and rehearsals,” said sophomore EVS singer Tashiana Lisulo. “At first it felt a little overwhelming, but with the love and support I received from the members, as well as from Mrs. Gloria herself, I knew this was an environment I could get the hang of, and I have.”
In Lee Singers, older members are encouraging new members by promoting growth in the community.
“I’m trying to set a good example. I want the newer members to thrive, not only in their academic lives but also in their spiritual lives,” said Campus Choir sophomore Chase Parris.
Students interested in singing or playing with an ensemble can audition in the spring semester.
Senior Reporters Kristin Shaffer and Chris Burkhalter contributed to this article.
Update Oct. 11: This article was updated because Chase Parris was mistakenly cited as a member of Lee Singers when he is a member of Campus Choir.
