Thunderbird Adventist Academy Principal Rob Stevenson asked his music director, Joseph Choi, to bring to the academy campus a music festival that would showcase the talents of academy and elementary students and help them focus on the nature of music as ministry. "I want our students to learn how they can use their talents to glorify God," said Stevenson.

The 151 students who participated were from San Gabriel Academy with Mickey Smith, director; San Diego Academy with Haroldo Alvarez, director; South Bay Junior Academy with Aubrey Scarborough, director; and TAA and Thunderbird Christian Elementary School with Joseph Choi, director.

Stephen Hall worked with Choi as festival clinician. Their expertise brought a high level of professionalism to the concerts throughout the weekend.

The festival, April 15-17, consisted of two days of practice for the Sabbath worship service and Saturday evening concert. The concerts were received with enthusiasm and praise from the community.

The La Sierra University Brass Quintet did a special guest performance, which illustrated to the academy students the professionalism musicians can achieve through years of practice and public performance.

The festival was partially funded by the Arizona Conference Education Department, plus gifts from many private donors. Plans are already under way for the 2005 TAA Band Festival scheduled for April 14-16, 2005.

"Satan will use our young people to get into his kind of music," cautioned Choi. "We need to pray for the future leaders of our Church and continue to educate them to appreciate the kind of music that will give glory to God. We need your continued prayers as we continue to develop their willingness and commitment to stand firm for the Lord and continue to witness to others with their talents."