Voices mixed with French horns, trumpets, symbols and other instruments resounded in Collins Alumni Auditorium on Monday night. Lipscomb’s A Cappella Singers, University Singers and University Wind Ensemble collaborated to kick off the Christmas season.
Everything from traditional holiday carols to Russian Christmas songs were performed.
“The student’s didn’t miss a beat, they played like professionals and they looked and sounded like they had been practicing this for years,” said sophomore Taylor Geen, an English major in attendance. “I don’t know how they do what they do, but it was an amazing show and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to go.”
Chelsi Cassilly plays the bass clarinet.
Dr. Steve Rhodes and Dr. Gary Wilson, directors, wanted to present a program of holiday favorites and music for the season.
The concert was free, though most would agree it would have been worth it to pay for the performance.
“My favorite part of the night was when we performed the song ‘This Little Babe,'” said Lindsay Latimer, a sophomore voice performance major. “The song is sung in rounds, so there are a lot of different parts going on at once. It also just featured the women, which was really great and different.
“The Russian piece was the most difficult piece we preformed because I’ve never sung in, or spoke for that matter, in Russian. Having one of our student conductors conducting it made it that much more fun and entertaining.”
If you didn’t get a chance to attend this outstanding show, check out a recap of the performance here.
“My favorite piece was ‘Ñe imamï inïya pómoschi’ by Pavel Chesnokov,” said Joshua Harper, a senior double majoring in vocal performance and music composition. “It’s a really great piece and Kirk Averitt, our student conductor, does an awesome job conducting it.”
“Christmas Through The Looking Glass” was played toward the end of the night and was probably the most well known piece performed. It was a medley that included 14 popular holiday songs. The entire audience came to life during this number. By tapping their feet, singing the words or simply grabbing their loved ones tight to their side, it was a fantastic way to get everyone involved.
String bass played by Dillon Mayfield.
“I think the entire performance from the band, to the singers, showcased the talent level of the music department and its students,” said Taylor Mason, sophomore exercise science major. “It was the first time I attended a concert put on by the music department and I really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for next year!”
Photos and video by Jake Morgan.