**For Immediate Release**
Holiday Music Fills the Air at OPSU
-released by OPSU Campus Communications 12-06-05
by Rebecca Bichsel
The Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Music Department celebrated the holiday season in Hughes-Strong
Auditorium last night with the holiday concert, “Tis the Season . . . for Music.” The
OPSU choirs and bands performed an arrangement of traditional
and classical holiday music.
Although the OPSU choirs and bands are
composed mostly of students, they also welcome the participation
of community members. So the holiday concert was truly a
community event last night and was well attended by students,
faculty, staff and the general community. The OPSU Jazz Band
opened the concert with “Bags Groove” and “Blue Boosa.” Then
all the children were invited to the stage to sing “Rudolph
the Red Nose Reindeer” and receive candy canes.
A processional followed by the OPSU Chamber
Singers, who sang “Resonet
in laudibus,” opening the classical portion of the performance.
The ensemble also sang a collection of carols and lullabies.
The OPSU Concert Choir followed with Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” a
beautiful classical performance that captured the spirit of
the season. OPSU adjunct voice faculty Cari Earnhart performed
three solos with the choir, and choir members Sarah Whitfield
and Melody Gum also sang a solo. Tracey Gregg Boothby conducted
both the Chamber Singers and the Concert Choir, and Rene Brain
accompanied on piano. Just before intermission, the women of
the Concert Choir sang “Canon of Praise” with student
conductor Ian McCulloch and accompanist Rene Brain.
After intermission, Mariachi OPSU, conducted
by Jason Berg, sang “El Rey” and the traditional “Las Mananitas.” Following
an all-sing of “Silent Night” with the Chamber
Singers, the OPSU Concert Band, also conducted by Jason Berg,
performed several pieces that included a selection of songs
from the “Nutcracker Suite.” The performance ended
with an uplifting performance of “Sleigh Ride” which
put everyone in the holiday spirit.
After the concert, the audience and performers were invited
to the tree lighting on the plaza of the OPSU campus and to
a holiday reception.
The Music Department at OPSU enjoys sharing
the music they have been practicing all semester and appreciates
all of the friends who attended last night’s celebration.
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