by Dylan Ferguson–The Morningside Visual and Performing Arts Department will be hosting Christmas At Morningside on Friday, December 6th beginning at 7:30pm in Eppley Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30pm, with seating filling quickly.
This year’s theme, Arise All Nations, is derived from Isaiah 60 in the Bible. “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Nations will come to your light”. From this verse, Morningside Director of Choral Activities Dr. Ryan Person has raised the thematic elements of the concert.
In a literal sense to the verse, he says that, “our lighting element is unique this year. It will be refreshing to see some new colors and a different approach.” In addition, singers will be slightly raised from the stage on high risers and select musicians being placed throughout the hall.
The musical selections for this year’s concert also reflect the “Arise All Nations” title and theme. “The selection of the theme was largely based on the fact that we’re using a lot of different styles of music from around the world” said Person.
Selections include a Caribbean song, a traditional gospel piece, a Nigerian folk song, and more traditional choral selections. Instrumental twists include a jazz combo, brass playing from the organ loft, and even tuned wine glasses.
While Christmas at Morningside is a favorite for concert-goers, first year students going through the process of preparing the concert have learned the power of the concert. Freshman Music Education student Olyvia Selby finds it “heartwarming as a musician to see a group of music loving people come together to make such beautiful music as one”.
In addition to the concert, the Morningside Chapter of the Collegiate National Association for Music Educators (CNAfME) will be selling carnations outside of the venue before and after the performance. Concert goers can pay $3 for one, or $7 for three. Proceeds will go towards outreach projects in the community and giving back to the college.
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