Unlock the Magic of the Gala Holiday Concert - A Musical Journey to Remember
Performances by the Bands
Gala, a cherished event with a rich history, began in 1995, and this year marks its 29th in-person celebration. In 2020, a virtual Gala took place in November. The Gala replaced a Madrigal-style dinner around 1990 and has become the largest single scholarship fundraising event for the Department of Music. It is a time-honored tradition, centered around holiday performances in December.
All proceeds from this event go towards supporting student scholarships, providing financial assistance to music students. The entire Department of Music, including students, played a vital role in making the concert a resounding success. The Gala featured nearly every ensemble in the Department, with performances spanning the Center of the Arts. In addition to the stage performers, small ensembles entertained before the concert, during intermission, and after. Utilizing spaces like the atrium, Kachel Room, The Young lobby, and Fern Young Terrance added to the immersive experience.
Performances by the Percussion Ensemble
Percussion professor Toby Wilkinson discovered a collection of marimba quartet holiday music a few years ago. He decided that the percussion ensemble would bring this delightful music to life this year. Wilkinson emphasized the joy of witnessing the outstanding work being done by students and colleagues in various musical areas. He views Gala as a "collage" concert, filled with a diverse range of ensembles, instruments, and vocal groups.
The percussion ensemble's performance added a unique rhythm and energy to the Gala, creating a memorable moment for the audience.
Performances by the Saxophone Ensemble
Saxophone professor Matt Sintchak shared that his ensemble has been a part of the Gala for over a decade. One of their favorite pieces this year was the "Christmas Jazz Suite," a fun arrangement of traditional Christmas songs. The ensemble's performance during intermission in the Fern Young Terrance showcased their musical prowess and added a jazzy touch to the holiday atmosphere.
The saxophone ensemble's interpretation of the Christmas Jazz Suite brought a new dimension to the Gala, captivating the audience with its smooth melodies and rhythmic improvisations.
Performances by the Trombone Ensemble and Brass Quintet
Director Carson King-Fournier highlighted the significance of celebrating holiday music, especially for the students. He noted that while these arrangements can be challenging, they provide a much-needed diversion from studies. Performing fun holiday tunes at the end of a long semester allows the students to showcase their skills and talent.
The trombone ensemble and brass quintet's performance added a powerful and resonant sound to the Gala, filling the air with holiday melodies that resonated with the audience.
Performances by Jazz One
Jazz One has a long-standing tradition of performing Duke Ellington's jazz arrangements of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker." Director Dr. Michael Hackett expressed his love for this tradition and looks forward to presenting the piece every year. The ensemble's performance added a touch of sophistication and jazz flair to the Gala.
Jazz One's interpretation of "The Nutcracker" showcased their ability to blend different musical styles and create a unique musical experience.
Performances by the Euphonium Ensemble
The Euphonium Ensemble, directed by John Tuinstra, performed selections from the "Tuba Christmas" collection. Their performance added a deep and resonant sound to the Gala, highlighting the versatility of the euphonium.
The Euphonium Ensemble's contribution to the Gala was a testament to the diversity of musical instruments and ensembles within the Department of Music.
Performances by the Chancellor's Quartet
The Chancellor's Quartet, directed by Lianne Kelso, also added to the festivities with their performances. Their music added a refined and elegant touch to the Gala, showcasing the quartet's musical finesse.
The Chancellor's Quartet's performance was a highlight of the Gala, captivating the audience with their harmonious melodies and precise execution.
Performances by the Choirs
Directed by Dr. Robert Gehrekbeck, the different choirs performed a variety of holiday music. One piece, "Samba de Neve" or "Snow Samba," was particularly memorable. Gehrenbeck contacted composer Ann Millikan, whose Brazilian heritage inspired the piece. The choir's performance of this piece added a vibrant and exotic flavor to the Gala.
The Chamber Singers' performance of "Samba de Neve" was a crowd-pleaser, with its infectious rhythms and lively melodies.
The Harmonia Women's Choir performed "Natal," a Brazilian nativity song by Ernani Aguiar. They also collaborated with the Chamber Singers and Whitewater Symphony Orchestra on two songs by José Maurício Nunes Garcia. Their performances added a touch of cultural diversity to the Gala.
The Harmonia Women's Choir's renditions of these Brazilian songs brought a sense of warmth and cultural richness to the holiday celebration.
Hawk Kor, an all-bass-clef choral ensemble, performed pieces like "Little Saint Nick" by the Beach Boys and "Merry Everything." Director Brian Lepper described the program as a "melting pot of nationalities, cultures, and ethnicities" within the United States. The ensemble's performance added a fun and diverse element to the Gala.
Hawk Kor's selection of holiday songs showcased their ability to connect with audiences through music from different cultures.
The Vocal Jazz choir brought a unique twist to their performance by singing the holiday classic "Mary Did You Know" as a cappella. Director Dr. Sharrii VanAlstine aimed to make the audience relate to the songs, and this a cappella rendition pulled at the heartstrings.
The Vocal Jazz choir's a cappella performance of "Mary Did You Know" was a powerful and emotional highlight of the Gala.
At the end, the orchestra and choirs came together to perform classic holiday pieces such as "Deck the Halls," "Joy to the World," and "Frosty the Snowman." These familiar tunes brought the audience together and created a festive atmosphere that filled the Center of the Arts.
The combined performance of the orchestra and choirs was a grand finale, leaving the audience with a sense of joy and holiday spirit.
The Gala Holiday Concert is a treasured tradition within the Department of Music. It brings together musicians and music lovers from the campus and community, showcasing the talents of the department while raising funds to support its students. Each year, it offers a unique and unforgettable musical experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who attend.