NATS 2026 Opening Ceremony Recap

Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Travis Park UMC News
by Juliette Clark

Music has a way of bringing people together, and on July 4, the Alamo City Street Choir had the opportunity to share that spirit on a national stage.

After weeks of preparation, the choir was invited to perform during the opening ceremony of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Conference at the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk. The invitation recognized the choir’s unique ministry of building community through music and creating a place where every voice belongs.

In the days leading up to the performance, excitement filled the rehearsal room. A remarkable 91 people gathered during two rehearsal times on Wednesday, July 1, reflecting the enthusiasm and commitment of the choir as they prepared for this special opportunity.

The day began bright and early with a 6:30 a.m. gathering at Travis Park United Methodist Church before boarding the bus. Behind the scenes, 13 dedicated staff and volunteers helped make the day possible, ensuring singers were supported, organized, and ready for the journey. The support circle packed snacks and tacos to keep everyone fueled throughout the day.

Forty-one members of the Alamo City Street Choir took part in the performance, joined by a quartet of professional singers from the San Antonio Chamber Choir, cellist David Bjella, and percussionist Paul Millette. Together, they performed for an audience of approximately 900 professional singers, voice professors, and music educators from across the country.

The response was overwhelming. The audience rose to its feet three separate times, offering standing ovations after Larry Fay’s solo, after the first medley featuring Somebody Prayed for Me, You Are Not Alone, and Amazing Grace (whose third verse was sung together with the audience), and again after the closing medley of Best Day of My Life and Vivir Mi Vida. There were tears throughout the audience as the choir’s message of hope, resilience, and belonging filled the room.

Founded in 2019 by Tracy Bjella Powers as a program of the San Antonio Chamber Choir, the Alamo City Street Choir rehearses each week at Travis Park United Methodist Church and performs throughout the city year-round. The choir brings together people from many different walks of life, including neighbors who are, or have experienced, homelessness, demonstrating the power of music to create belonging, purpose, and community.

We are grateful for every singer, volunteer, staff member, and community partner who helped make this unforgettable day possible. Congratulations to the Alamo City Street Choir on this well-deserved honor and for representing Travis Park United Methodist Church, the San Antonio Chamber Choir, and our city with such joy.