Spencerville Concert Winds Tour Tennessee

Story by Lisa Froelich, Band Director

From October 8–12, 2025, the Spencerville Concert Winds embarked on a memorable tour to Tennessee—a trip filled with music, fellowship and faith. The days were rich with experiences: a day of fun and laughter at Dollywood, a day of learning under the guidance of Ken Parsons, wind symphony director at Southern Adventist University, and a day devoted entirely to performance and ministry.

The group’s first performance took place at the Newport church. The congregation warmly welcomed the band. This was the first time the congregation had hosted such an ensemble. After the service, the members treated the band to a traditional haystack potluck, and students enjoyed sitting with church members and sharing stories and conversation.

The second concert was held that afternoon at Knoxville First church. One longtime church member, who had attended the church since infancy, remarked in awe that they had never heard music or experienced the sanctuary’s acoustics like that before. The ensemble’s music had filled the space with power and grace, leaving many in quiet amazement.

Most of the program featured hymn arrangements, each introduced with a short story about the hymn’s history and message. Several church members later shared how these performances moved them to tears, deepening their appreciation for the familiar hymns they had sung all their lives.

“My favorite day was our performance day,” says Jey Edward (’28). “We were able to spread the word of God to so many people, inspiring them in their faith. I also really enjoyed connecting with so many of the church members after the services.”

Many audience members said the music gave them a glimpse of what heavenly music might sound like—uplifting, powerful and full of praise. The emotional and spiritual impact was profound for the audience and student performers.

The tour offered the students much more than just a chance to perform. It was an opportunity to experience small-church community life, to learn how to fellowship with new friends, and to understand what it truly means to minister through music.

As Colton Bowers (’29) reflects, “For me, band tour was more than just getting to take time off school. It was getting to know people better, building relationships through teamwork and making memories that I never would’ve thought I’d be a part of. It’s something that will live in my heart forever.”

The tour provided a visible blessing to both the students and the congregations, serving as a beautiful reminder of how music has the power to connect hearts and uplift souls closer toward heaven.