Eastern Singer Halie Poirier Tours Post-Hurricane Puerto Rico

2018 Apr 6

A group of talented vocalists from Eastern Connecticut State University embarked on a unique tour of post-hurricane Puerto Rico this spring break. From March 9-15, members of the Chamber Singers performed in concerts and worked on service projects in the slowly recovering island.

Among the singers is Halie Poirier '18 of Putnam. Poirier is a soprano and majors in Music.

In addition to three performances in San Juan, the group volunteered in the hurricane-battered neighborhood of La Perla, just beyond the walls of Old San Juan. Divided into three work crews, they cleared away debris from the residential section of the neighborhood while others repaired roofs and restored gardens.

"I wasn't sure what to expect when I stepped foot onto the island," said Poirier. "I was curious about the extent of the damage from this past summers' hurricanes, and it was very clear that San Juan was trying diligently to return to its regular state. It wasn't until we got to Old San Juan, more specifically, La Perla, where we saw some real devastation. This was shocking to me. I was very eager to do the most I could volunteering."

The Chamber Singers performed for enthusiastic crowds at Stella Maris Parish and Escuela Libre de Musica (Music School in San Juan).

"The high school-ers were shouting and dancing in their seats the entire time, itching to get up and sing with us," said Poirier. "I'll never forget those amazing kids."

David Belles, conductor of the ensemble, said of the demands of the tour: "Seeing our students have to kick it up a notch and adjust immediately to a new environment, new audiences, new spaces-having music be the only language many of us had in common-was a moment when all the work preparing for this endeavor really paid off."

For Poirier, a graduating senior, this was her final tour with the Chamber Singers. "Puerto Rico was the perfect ending to a magnificent run with these truly awesome and talented people. I have laughed and cried with them while singing many wrong notes but still making beautiful music. I've toured with them for three years and no matter where we go, we always have a fantastic time."

The Chamber Singers is Eastern's premier vocal ensemble, composed of 20-25 auditioned singers from various academic departments. Performance repertoire encompasses chamber music from more than four centuries. The annual spring tour serves to enrich the musical live of audiences near and far, and enhance the cultural experience of members of the ensemble while studying at Eastern.