It was oboist Afonso Bittencourt Brito’s first time back in his native Brazil since leaving 18 months earlier to study at La Sierra University. During spring break in March, he toured the South American nation and visited his hometown as a member of a La Sierra University Chamber Winds quintet that gave performances and master classes. 

“I feel very good. [I’m] very happy to [be] coming back to visit my house and my country,” Brito said before the trip. He noted afterward, “The entire tour was filled with meaningful moments and valuable interactions that deepened my appreciation for my heritage. Each city offered unique experiences —from cultural and spiritual engagements to personal reunions — and reinforced my commitment to my studies and future at La Sierra University.”

Brito is in the second year of the music department’s music performer’s certificate program. He aims for a career as a professional symphonic oboist. Alongside the other ensemble members, he practiced and rehearsed for three months in preparation for the tour that would take them from São Paulo, Brazil’s financial center, to the iconic seaside city of Rio de Janeiro, and lastly to Belém, Pará, gateway to the lower Amazon.

In São Paulo, the group performed during a service at the Adventist University Center of São Paulo (UNASP). In Rio, the musicians visited the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and performed the following day at the Adventist Church in Botafogo, “where we were warmly welcomed and embraced by the local community,” Brito said.

During the last stop in Belém, Brito was able to visit family members and friends. “[I] even had the chance to give a masterclass, sharing the knowledge I acquired in the U.S.,” he noted. “I also invited some friends to play with me, and it was really home.

“Being away from Brazil for nearly a year-and-a-half made this visit particularly special, as it allowed me to reconnect with my roots, my family, and my culture,” Brito said.

Other student musicians joining Brito on tour were Nathalia Boeira, flute, Wendell Palheta, horn, Jair Garcia, trumpet, and Abel Gonzalez, piano.

“I could list a lot of things that I learned from this experience, including the organizational aspects of a trip, repertoire planning, adapting, and playing in different climates. The one thing that stands out to me is that some of us had the incredible opportunity to teach a masterclass in Belém,” said Boeira, who is also from Brazil. “I had five amazing students playing for me and a few more watching. I got to hear some incredible music being played by those students, and by teaching them, I had the chance to learn a lot myself.”

She most enjoyed engaging with different audiences and students. “As musicians, the thing that brings us the most joy is seeing our music and art reaching new places and new people,” she said.

“Tours allow us to explore the world and share the amazing things La Sierra University offers,” said Giovanni Santos, La Sierra University Wind Ensemble director. “We have the fabulous opportunity to interact with local musicians and educators, as well as collaborate musically. It gives us the opportunity to express ourselves musically to a wider audience and community, making new friends.”

— Darla Martin Tucker is the director of public relations for La Sierra University.