Travel
GOOD WILL TOURS
The Inspirational Singers have had numerous opportunities to tour the state and the region in an effort to forge relationships that will benefit both the University of Arkansas and neighboring communities. Through the Good Will Tours to Arkansas and Good Will Tours to the Region, the singers are able to take their message to other communities that would otherwise not be afforded that opportunity.
Good Will Tours to Arkansas is designed to build relationships with people across the state. This idea was conceived in response to the frequent invitations received by the Inspirational Singers from civic leaders in various communities across Arkansas. Since the cost for engaging an ensemble this size is often prohibitive, administrators have offered financial assistance in an effort to assist in building these relationships. In 2007, the Inspirational Singers accepted invitations to Hot Springs and Camden. Both were a great success and had a lasting impact on the communities.
Good Will Tours to the Region is designed to build relationships with people in neighboring or near neighboring states. Some of the more recent regional tours have included Terrell, TX; Kosciusko, MS; Kansas City, MO; Memphis, TN; St. Louis, MO; and Chicago, IL.
The Way It Works…
Upon arrival to the host community destination, the singers will engage in activities such as a Step Team Workshop or Dance Workshop with the host and their community guests. These activities may also include a picnic or a Q and A session about college life and financial aid. Afterwards, the singers will check into a local hotel and prepare for the evening concert venue, which usually includes other choirs from within that community. The concert is followed by a meal and time of fellowship with the host and community guests. Following an overnight stay, the ensemble will visit a local church where they participate in the Sunday morning service and usually perform a short concert. After the service, the Inspirational Singers will enjoy a meal and time of fellowship before the choir returns to the University of Arkansas.
A typical itinerary will include:
Saturday
8:00a Depart from University of Arkansas campus
2:00p Arrive at destination
2:30p Step Team Workshop
4:00p Depart for hotel
5:15p Depart for concert venue
6:30p Concert with host and guest choirs
8:30p Join host for food and fellowship
9:30p Depart for hotel
Sunday
9:45a Depart for Sunday service venue
10:45a Participate in morning worship service
12:15p Join host for food and fellowship
2:30p Depart for University of Arkansas campus
Other Performances
Other opportunities include invitations to perform for Arkansas All-State Conventions and some national conferences. In addition, the Inspirational Singers have been invited to perform for Heads of State, governors, legislators, and other dignitaries.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
In addition to traveling within the state and region, the Inspirational Singers have also had the opportunity to travel internationally.
During Spring Break 2007, the singers took a performance tour of Beijing, China under the invitation of the National Association of African American Studies Conference. The organization’s Director, Dr. Lemuel Berry, has made over 40 trips to China during the last ten years taking academicians and arranging for ensembles to perform in some of the strategic venues in China. American pop-music and, in particular, American Gospel music are two of the most listened-to styles of music on the Asian continent.
The singers were well received in Beijing and the venues included performances at both Beijing Union University and the famous Beijing Concert Hall. Local sight-seeing tours took the singers to the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Ming Tombs, and the Temple of Heaven. There was an abundance of shopping opportunities in Beijing of which the singers gladly took full advantage.
A second international tour to South America is planned for Spring Break 2009.