18 Years of Friendship, Faith, and Choir Tour Traditions
It was 2007 when I got a call from the choir director at St. Agnes Academy in Houston. “I’m looking for a company to help me with my next trip to Los Angeles,” he said. In 2008, he took his 100+ student choir on their first tour with ETA, and that is where the journey began. Fast forward 18 years, and I am deeply saddened to say goodbye to my friend, Art.
I first met Art in person on his tour in Boston in 2009. There are times when you meet someone and instantly feel a connection, and that is how it was with Art. We connected almost immediately while talking about religion. Art was not just the choir director; he also taught theology classes at the school. On that first tour, I had the chance to learn how the Catholic Church recognizes saints, and he learned about my family’s Jewish traditions.
Being on tour with him was an experience. His students and the parents traveling with them revered him. They had great respect for him and just the right amount of fear to keep the perfect balance of excellent behavior and fun. Dress code was very important, and everyone knew it. You did not want to have the wrong outfit, or else. He appeared strict on the outside, but was caring and soft at heart though few ever dared to cross him.
During performances, Art served as the lead conductor alongside assistant directors Kimberly and Jeremy. On tour, the choir performed in a variety of venues, often including concerts for students at local schools, which typically meant a large audience. After the opening numbers, Art would step out when Kimberly took the conductor’s baton, and that was when I would join him while he had a cigarette. Despite the health risks, Art truly enjoyed a good smoke, and it was something he never gave up. Concerts always ended with the spiritual “He Never Failed Me Yet.” In more recent years, my fellow tour guide, Deb and I would join the choir in spirit from the back of the room as they sang.
We spoke a few times each year, and whenever I came to town for school visits, we would meet for dinner. Art would text me on holidays, and I would check in with him as well. Each spring, with the exception of a few years during COVID, we spent several days together on choir tour. The ETA guides and the St. Agnes staff always looked forward to reconnecting each year. Even after Art retired, we stayed in touch. I know he deeply missed the annual tour tradition, but we still met for dinner in Houston when I was in town.
Art passed away at the end of 2025, and he will be missed by so many. Over the decades I knew him, he touched the lives of countless students, parents, and colleagues. I will miss his wit and sharp sense of humor, his warm and thoughtful conversations, sharing dinner and a few glasses of pinot grigio, stepping outside into the cold while he smoked a cigarette, and his regular holiday texts.
Art, I will miss you. RIP and I’ll always remember, “He… never failed me… yet!”
written by Michael Holzer, ETA Staff
