Musicians from the string section—from Montemorelos University—perform during the Sabbath worship program at the General Conference Session in the America’s Center Convention Complex on July 5, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD][Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]
Years of preparation, training, and mission-driven service position Montemorelos as the musical foundation of the 2025 General Conference Session.

July 9, 2025 | St. Louis, Missouri, United States | Brenda Cerón, Inter-American Division News

Serving as the base orchestra and choir for the General Conference Session is not a new honor for Montemorelos University—an Adventist institution overseen by the Inter-American Division. It’s the culmination of years of service, commitment, and musical growth in support of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Montemorelos University’s (UM) participation in the General Conference Session as the primary orchestra and choir is the result of a long-standing journey of collaboration, preparation, and dedication. That journey began in 2015, when the university’s geographic proximity made it possible to support the session musically.

The combined orchestra and choirs fill the stage with music during the Sabbath worship program at the 62nd General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on July 5, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]
In 2022, amid ongoing pandemic restrictions, UM again played a key role in supporting the church’s global musical programming.

“At that time, few people could travel—but we could,” explained Oscar Castillo, director of the Handel Choir and leader of UM’s music team. “That allowed us to work with Pastor Williams Costa to organize a representative orchestra and choir. It opened the door for us to keep serving the world church.”

Since then, the university has taken on the challenge of preparing hybrid music programs—combining live performances and pre-recorded content—a format the world church continues to use even after the pandemic.

A Mission-Driven Contribution

“Montemorelos University is an institution of the Seventh-day Adventist Church,” said UM President Dr. Ismael Castillo. “That’s why we participate in the global mission of the church. Every five years, the church reflects on and projects its mission efforts.”  It’s important that the university take part, he said, “so our staff and students can sharpen their vision as mission-driven professionals.”

Pastor Williams Costa, communication director and music coordinator for the General Conference Session, leads the orchestra and choirs during the Sabbath worship program on July 5, 2025. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]
During the 2025 General Conference Session, the UM orchestra and choir have been tasked with leading the music for Sabbath specials, important moments like the Parade of Nations, and the congregational singing throughout the event.

“Adventist music isn’t just about art—it’s a channel for worship and connection with God,” said Oscar Castillo. “That’s our driving purpose.”

Three Years of Preparation

Planning began immediately after the 2022 session ended. Over three years, the university gathered music, arranged partnerships, and organized the complex logistics needed to transport musicians and instruments.

Oscar Castillo, director of the Handel Choir and leader of Montemorelos University’s music team, leads the congregation in song during the 62nd General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church at the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 7, 2025. [Photo: Ingrid Gallardo/IAD]
“We’re fortunate that at Montemorelos University, we train musicians from a young age—some start at 7 or 8 years old,” Castillo said. “That gives us a strong orchestral base, especially for strings.”

While most musicians flew into St. Louis, Missouri, large instruments were transported by land. Instruments that were too difficult to bring were generously lent by Sunnydale Adventist Academy, making full participation possible, said Castillo.

The base choir includes 32 UM members and has expanded to 160 voices with support from choirs representing Andrews University, Korea, Central America, and South America. The 31-member UM orchestra was also strengthened through collaborations with other groups, including the AdventHealth Orchestra from Florida, which is scheduled to join for the July 11 and 12 performances.

“The repertoire is diverse and global,” said Castillo. “The world church’s Music Committee selected the Sabbath specials, and we proposed pieces for congregational singing. We’ve also been asked to accompany guest artists and support major events like the second Sabbath’s Parade of Nations.”

Aldon Lewis (behind the singer wearing a hat), a medical graduate and member of the Handel Choir at Montemorelos University, sings during a musical performance on Sabbath, July 5, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]
Overcoming Challenges with Faith

One of the greatest hurdles has been financial.

“As a Latin American university, funding travel to the U.S. is always difficult because of currency differences,” noted Castillo. “But God keeps opening doors. It’s getting easier to find support thanks to people who believe in this ministry and in what we do.”

UM’s involvement also helps promote the Adventist philosophy of music in worship, offering models for church services and congregational singing on an international platform.

Germán Encinas (second from right) plays the trumpet during a performance at the General Conference Session on July 7, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. [Photo: Ingrid Gallardo/IAD]
“Music is one of the university’s most important contributions to the church,” said Dr. Ismael Castillo.

Voices That Bridge Generations

Germán Encinas, 51, a brass ensemble and orchestra member, has attended seven General Conference Sessions. “It’s a great responsibility to represent one of the church’s key educational institutions on its biggest stage,” he shared. “At the same time, it’s a joy to do what I love and praise God alongside people from around the world.”

Aldon Lewis, 31, a medical graduate and member of the Handel Choir, sees music as a sacred offering. “Music has always been a part of me—it’s where I go to offer my gifts to God,” he said. “Participating in the General Conference is one of the greatest honors in our church. I feel humbled and grateful to serve through music and share this space with fellow believers and church leaders.”

Paulette Pérez, a dental student at  Montemorelos University, plays the violin during a musical performance on July 5, 2025.  [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]
For Paulette Pérez, 23, a dental student and first-time violinist with the orchestra, the experience is both challenging and deeply rewarding. “Playing with such talented musicians on an international stage like this is an amazing opportunity to grow musically and personally,” she said.

The presence of Montemorelos University at the General Conference Session is the fruit of sustained effort, musical training, and international collaboration. As Oscar Castillo put it, “The university’s orchestra and choir will continue to support congregational worship and enrich the musical experience of the General Conference—whenever we are called to serve.”