Christopher Burnett
  • Music Education
  • Early, TX

Christopher Burnett of Early to perform in London in conjunction with the Olympics

2012 Jul 26

After a whirlwind spring and summer filled with practices, performances and fundraisers, Christopher Burnett of Early, a Howard Payne University sophomore, will leave for international appearances at the beginning of August.

HPU's Winds of Triumph musical ensemble will perform in conjunction with the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Local audiences will have a chance to support the groups before they leave. A "bon voyage" concert featuring Winds of Triumph will be held on Tuesday, July 31, at 7 p.m., in HPU's Mims Auditorium. There is no charge for admission, but donations will be accepted.

A send-off is planned for the group on August 1 at HPU's Davidson Music Complex parking lot off Center and Whaley streets. The public is invited to attend the gathering at 8 a.m. before the buses depart at 8:15 a.m.

Winds of Triumph is one of only five university musical groups from the U.S. invited to perform in conjunction with the Olympics. The musicians will play in many locations around London, including Exhibition Road, Potters Fields Park, Olympic Park and more. They will also perform at the ArĂȘne de Montmartre in Paris.

"As the time for departure draws near, we are more and more excited about taking our Good News in music and representing our Lord, HPU, Brown County and Texas in this world event," said Stephen Goacher, professor of music and director of Winds of Triumph. "Learning that we will be performing at sites licensed for 30,000 people a day elevates this experience to an awesome opportunity and an awesome responsibility."

Founded in 1889, Howard Payne University is a Christ-centered academic community dedicated to excellence by developing and equipping the whole person for intellectual inquiry, personal and professional integrity, and service to God and humanity.

Located in Brownwood, Texas, HPU offers a full array of undergraduate programs and a limited number of graduate programs in a traditional residential academic community. The university also offers selected undergraduate and graduate course work by electronic means and at an extended learning center in El Paso, Texas. HPU maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio, which contributes to the university's reputation of being "a place where everybody is somebody."