For Will Emmert, a student from Southern Methodist University, the journey to China was more than a long flight—it was a journey of connection.
“It’s my first time here”, he said, smiling after a day of exploring the city with local volunteer guides. “They’ve shown us things we could never experience from a hotel. It’s been a really great way to learn about each other and share our cultures.”
Alongside fellow choir member Lindsey Austin, Will joined the Southern Methodist University Meadows Choirs on a cultural exchange trip to China, where voices from both sides of the Pacific blended into one harmonious song.
During the opening ceremony, Lindsey was struck by the shared message of friendship. “Everyone talked about the bond between Chinese and American people”, she said. “For young people, it’s so important to come together and build those connections”.
Music became their common language. Performing “The Words of the Sun”, a piece by a Chinese American composer, the choir found a bridge between two worlds. “Even though we sang in English, the song really captured what we’re doing here—coming together”, Will said. “You can feel both cultures in the music.”
Between rehearsals and performances, the group discovered the beauty of traditional Chinese art—from intricate paper cuttings gifted by local students to stories of silk and porcelain that inspired them to look for keepsakes to bring home.
Will reflected, “I’ve been on cultural exchanges before, but this one opened my eyes. There’s so much that can’t be translated—you have to experience it yourself. And when we sing together, it’s all for the same cause: to share love, feelings, and experiences”.
In China, the SMU Choir found not just a stage, but a shared heartbeat. Through music, they proved that even across oceans, harmony is universal.
