
Students Enjoy Life-Changing GC Session Music Tour
Story by Janel Ware
At the 62nd General Conference (GC) Session in St. Louis, the Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) Music Department had the opportunity to shine. SVA Music performed in concerts on the convention center’s main and theater stages, held pop-up concerts throughout the week, entertained at the SVA booth in the exhibition hall and even showcased their talent on the Three Angels Broadcasting Network.
Director Daniel Biaggi and Associate Director Kelly Wiedemann Jaén led the inspiring tour, accompanied by incoming SVA Music Director Andrés Mendoza, along with a group of alumni musicians.
Additionally, the tour created space for faculty and students to connect beyond the classroom. “Whether sharing meals, rehearsing together or praying before a performance, the tone was one of mutual respect, warmth and joy. We laughed, learned and worshiped as a family,” says Mendoza.
A special highlight was participating in the mass choir and orchestra made up of believers from across the globe. Through their singing and playing, the students shared the gospel with people in the arena and around the world online. They worshipped God through powerful renditions of songs, such as “Holy, Holy, Holy,” “No More Night,” “Hallelujah” chorus, and “We Have This Hope,” featuring soloist Wintley Phipps, a renowned gospel singer and pastor.
“Being part of the SVA orchestra and the international choir was life-changing, opening my eyes to how global, diverse and united the Adventist Church is,” says Samantha Trigo (’25).
“The music was more than a performance—it was ministry. The harmony created wasn’t just musical—it reflected the unity of our church and the beauty of worshipping together across cultures and languages,” affirms Mendoza.
When the students—dressed in their performance attire—walked through the concourse carrying their instruments and choir folders, people asked what academy they were from, excited to see a large group of teenage musicians sharing music at a major function of the world church.
“Here I was, a musician among thousands, preparing to offer my gift in service to something far greater than myself. In morning worship, we affirmed our purpose, and I felt a new song in my heart as I gave myself up for God to lead. Performing ‘We Have This Hope,’ I felt connected to my peers, my church and, most importantly, my God,” shares Sophia Trigo (’26).
“Thinking back to attending my first GC Session, it was inspiring to really see and feel the global impact of the church. Now to watch my students experience that is a teacher’s dream come true,” says Wiedemann Jaén.
Mendoza agrees, “One of the greatest blessings of the trip was seeing students catch a glimpse of the global church and realize they are part of something much larger than themselves. To witness them serve through music and worship on an international stage—and to see them respond with maturity, joy and a deepening faith—was truly moving.”
To see additional photos from the music tour at the GC Session, visit shenandoahvalleyacademy.org.
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