By Jenna Bunescu | Staff Writer
The Whitworth University Wind Symphony and Whitworth Jazz Ensemble 1 had a tour in Thailand during the spring break, starting on Mar. 22 and ending on April 1. This will be the first tour any of the Whitworth ensembles will be pursuing since the pandemic. The Wind Symphony previously toured Thailand in 2016, so it will be a familiar destination for them, according to Richard Strauch, director of the Whitworth Wind Symphony.
“There is no substitute for visiting a new culture, interacting with audiences [and] visiting the sites that tell the nation’s story. I will say that the students found the 2016 tour to Thailand to be transformative, which is true of every international tour we have taken,” said Strauch.
Thailand was once again chosen as a destination for a few reasons. Since tours typically happen during spring break, and because this year’s spring break will overlap with Holy Week, there are limited opportunities to perform in most predominantly Christian countries. As Thailand is primarily Buddhist, it is more affordable than other locations during that period of time.
On this year’s tour, the Wind Symphony and Jazz Band performed at Mahidol University, Payap University, Chiang Mai International School, and Prince Royal College. This tour was not free as the students participating had to pay a fee, but the cost of the tour is partially subsidized by funds from the Buckler Endowment.
Touring has long been a part of Whitworth’s musical outreach. They began touring internationally around 15 years ago with all the major music ensembles: Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble 1, orchestra and choir. “These tours have enabled our student musicians to share their music with audiences across the globe and also to experience and interact with other cultures in more significant ways than if they were simply visiting as tourists,” said Strauch.