The Wheaton College Symphonic Band will embark on its first international tour—traveling to Kenya and Tanzania to serve, perform, and connect through the power of music.
Nineteen student musicians, led by Dr. Brady McNeil, will be joined by four alumni as they partner with the Rafiki Foundation to bring music, encouragement, and gospel-centered community engagement to local schools and churches.
This landmark tour is the result of a decade-long partnership between the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music and the Rafiki Foundation, which has served African communities since 1985 by providing homes, education, and Christian discipleship for widows, orphans, and impoverished families.
The relationship began in 2013 when Dean Michael Wilder met Rosemary Jensen, Rafiki’s Founder and President. Since then, Dr. Wilder and his wife Joyce Anne have invested deeply in Rafiki’s mission—visiting communities in Africa and helping develop a music curriculum and teacher training program that continues to serve Rafiki schools today.
This growing connection has led Conservatory faculty members, including Dr. Buis, Dr. Okpebholo, Dr. Trotter, and Dr. McNeil, to travel to Africa and offer their musical expertise and support. The upcoming tour marks the first official Conservatory ensemble collaboration with Rafiki, building on years of faculty involvement.
During their two-week journey, the Symphonic Band will:
Through these efforts, students aim to inspire young musicians, encourage future music teachers, and offer much-needed materials to support Rafiki’s vibrant but under-resourced music programs.
“My prayer is that our students experience the transformative power of cross-cultural musical engagement and bring back new perspectives on global Christian fellowship to our Wheaton campus.”
—Dr. Brady McNeil
This mission-centered tour is only possible through the generosity of our community. You can help in three key ways:
Help offset travel costs for students and cover tour expenses.