Centenary College Choir to Depart May 10 for International Tour, Last One Under Retiring Director Will K. Andress

Centenary Choir
The Centenary College Choir 2006-07

SHREVEPORT, LA — The acclaimed Centenary College Choir will set off May 10 for its alternate-years international tour, stopping this year in Ireland, Wales and England. It will be the final tour under 33-year Choir director Will K. Andress, who will conduct the group for the final time during a concert at Canterbury Cathedral in England on May 21.

The tour, which includes performances and sight-seeing activities, begins with two nights in the Kilarney area of Western Ireland, followed by two nights in Dublin and a concert at Dublin's St. Patrick's Cathedral on May 14.

Then the group takes a high-speed ferry to England/Wales. After an afternoon concert at the Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay, Wales, they will stay overnight in Chester, England before going on to Lincoln, England and a performance at the Lincoln Cathedral on May 17. The following day will be spent in Walsall, England, now known for its leathercrafting but once the home base for Methodism's John Wesley and Francis Asbury. There the Choir will perform at Central Hall, which is the equivalent of the First Methodist Church of the area.

Dr. Will K. Andress
Retiring Director, Centenary College Choir

From May 19-21, the travelers will be in London, with their final concert at Canterbury Cathedral on May 21. That night, the Choir will hold its end-of-year banquet at Baden House in the hall belonging to the London Choral Society. The banquet, the scene of much reminiscing, also includes the signing of the branding board by the Choir's newest alumni. The branding board accompanies Choir members where ever they travel; so far that has been to 31 countries on six continents.

A total of 94 people will participate in the tour, including 69 students and 25 others. Andress will retire effective June 30, after 33 years as director and four years as a member of the Centenary College Choir. His successor, David A. Hobson, will join the Centenary music faculty effective July 1.