Music Department to present ‘The Spirit of Christmas’
FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Huntington, Ind. "Four Huntington University music ensembles will come together to usher in the Christmas season. The Spirit of Christmas is set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2005, in the Zurcher Auditorium of the Merillat Centre for the Arts. The brass and wind ensembles, women's chorale, and handbell choir will take the stage for this Christmas celebration. 'The Spirit of Christmas' is for all ages to enjoy a wide variety of seasonal songs from many traditions, to celebrate the joy of Jesus' birth, to enjoy live musical entertainment, and to experience the joy, hope and peace of the Christmas holiday as they get into the holiday spirit, said Scott Hippensteel, director of the wind ensemble.
The wind ensemble will perform a variety of familiar Christmas songs. The brass ensemble, with director Dr. Robert Lynn, will present selected Christmas songs including Joy to the World, The Wassail Song, and Bluesleeves. The women's chorale, with director Benjamin Kendall, will sing Jinglin' Bells, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, Carol of the Bells, Do You Hear What I Hear, along with other holiday favorites. The handbell choir, with director Darlene Burkett, will play Sleigh Ride and In the Bleak Mid-Winter. The handbell choir will join the wind ensemble in Tidings, a celebration of O Come, All Ye Faithful, He Is Born, Silent Night, and Joy to the World.
New this year will be a song featuring the women's chorale and handbell choir and another medley which combines the wind ensemble and handbells for the first time.
Tickets for The Spirit of Christmas are $8 for general admission, $6 for seniors and Huntington University faculty and staff, and $4 for students. For more information, contact the Merillat Centre for the Arts Box Office at (260) 359-4261 or log on to www.huntington.edu/mca.
