GCSU hosted its 17th annual holiday concert on Friday, Dec. 6, where the music department transformed Russell Auditorium into a vibrant hub of festive cheer and musical brilliance.
The performance was also live streamed on the music department’s Facebook page where friends and family alike could enjoy the performance from afar.
“I wasn’t able to attend the concert in person because I was sick so I watched it virtually,” said Julia Whalen, a junior marketing major. “So it was nice to be able to support my friends who were performing.”
The holiday concert was nothing short of spectacular, as the entire music department delivered a performance that awed the audience and ushered in the holiday spirit. From the moment the audience walked into the auditorium, the soft murmur of excited voices filled the air with anticipation for the upcoming performances.
“You could tell that the performance was going to be great as soon as you walked in,” said Ethan Sanders, a freshman finance major. “Everyone who performed is so talented and I am so glad I attended.”
The concert began with an orchestral piece performed by GCSU’s orchestra. The arrangement, a medley of timeless holiday classics, set the tone for the evening. Strings, winds and percussion filled the auditorium with beautiful music that captured the audience’s attention.
Outside of the auditorium, an accordion ensemble directed by Susan Craig, lured in the audience and set the stage for a night of music, laughter and applause.
One of the unique aspects of GCSU’s holiday concert is its impressive variety of music. Some of the performances included the low brass ensemble, jazz combo, flute choir, Max Noah Singers (MNS) bass quartet and the jazz band.
The university chorus, directed by Jennifer Flory, also blew the audience away with their performance of “Ding Dong Merrily on High”, as well as other childhood Christmas classics.
“Hearing a lot of these songs were really nostalgic to me,” said Charis Philo, a junior mass communication major. “It brought me back to Christmas during my childhood.”
Following the performance by the university chorus, Sara Carr performed a beautiful rendition of “Carol of the Bells” in the tradition of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. She performed the piece as a solo played on an electric violin.
The jazz band brought a playful, upbeat energy to the program, performing a lively rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” arranged by Preston Raburn and directed by Cliff Towner.
It was clear that this production was the result of months of preparation and careful coordination by the music department. The department’s professors and students worked tirelessly to perfect each element. From selecting the music to fine-tuning the acoustics of Russell Auditorium, every detail contributed to the seamless execution of the evening.
The event was made possible thanks to the tireless efforts of producers Jenifer Flory, Bradley Sowell and Cliff Towner. Keith Bergeron, the Director of production services, also played a major role in making this event such a success.
Stagehands and volunteers also played a critical role, ensuring smooth transitions between acts and adding a touch of theatricality with their lighting and set adjustments.
The night was a success, filled with applause and warm congratulations for the performers, and was a perfect way to kick off this holiday season.
