11th Annual Christmas Concerts

Art By Keirston Seal

The 11th annual Christmas concert has come and gone this again this year. The weekend was filled with angelic voices, whimsical instruments, and Christmas joy.

Friday Night.

Friday night at 7:30 the show was kicked off by The GCSC Jazz Ensemble and the Singing Commodores. A total of 15 songs were played. Including Deck the Halls,  played by the GCSC Jazz Ensemble, and ending with a dynamic rendition of Somebody to Love written by Freddie Mercury and performed by the Singing Commodores. Carissa Hosea was the director for the night, with the accompaniment of several student conductors.

Jazz Ensemble.

Throughout the night several of Jazz Ensemble’s musicians added their own solo to the lineup of songs. Rachel Raffield stood to perform a few of the solos with the Alto Saxophone. Other soloists included: Joshua Lake on the Alto Saxophone and Alison Strunk on piano. The Jazz Ensemble included musicians:

• Alto Saxophone- Joshua Lake and Rachel Raffield
• Clarinet- Joy Spivey
• Trombone- Ryan Jimerson and Kyle Krogol
• Tuba- Corrie Smallwood
• Piano- Alison Strunk
• Guitar- Mike Neilsen
• Bass- Justin Wilson
• Drums- Trequan McIntosh

Singing Commodores.

There were three student conductors that guided a few of the ensembles through several of the songs performed.

Jack Brawley conducted the song Deck the Halls(Arr. by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw). Cheyenne Warren conducted Claude-Michel Schonberg’s “One Day More’. And Morgan Hamby conducted Carol of the Bells by M. Leontovich.

The Singing Commodores include:

• Jennifer Carinhas
  

  Cheyenne Waren conducts “One Day More”

• Julia Cornett
• Megan Dorman
• Jack Duke Brawley
• Madi Falls
• Morgan Hamby
• Joshua Hays
• Cullen Heuman
• Madison Howell
• Spencer Jackson
• Kyle Krogol
• Sarah Mathis
• Joey Phelps
• Hannah Seagraves
• Lauren Tally
• Shad Tracy
• Cheyenne Warren
• Emma Woods

Several of the Singing Commodores performed solos throughout the ensemble. Including some of the student conductors. Jack Brawley and Morgan Hamby, also accompanied by Hannah Seagraves, Spencer Jackson, and Jim Nichols on guitar, performed the song Somebody to Love by Freddie Mercury.

A trio made up of Hannah Seagraves, Josh Hayes, and Julia Cornett performed the Medieval Carol Fantasy that was arranged by Brad Printz.

There were several other soloists from The Singing Commodores which includes: Madison Howell performing I’ll Be Home for Christmas, and Lauren Tally singing My God Is So High.

Overall, the play was a delight to the ears, and visually appealing to watch as well. Choreographer, Lauren Kolmetz did a wonderful job coordinating the movement for the production.

Concert Band and Concert Chorale.

On Sunday at 2:30 pm GCSC’s Concert Band and Concert Chorale performed a total of 12 songs. Featured music included portions of Handel’s “Messiah” and Gustav Holst’s chorales, including “In the Bleak of Winter.”

Cheyenne Warren and Rachel Raffield also directed some of the music during Sunday’s performance. Overall, the performance displayed Christmas cheer and put the audience in the Holiday spirit.

The Concert Chorale was directed by David L. Watson and John Divine, and solo specials include Morgan Hamby and Lauren Tally. Piano Accompanist was performed by Dr. Christine Yoshikawa.

The rest of the singers include:

• Atley Cook
• MorganHamby
• Cullen Heuman
• Julianna Keenan
• Mike Neilson
• Caleb Sims
• Alison Strunk
• Lauren Tally
• Cheyenne Warren
• Savannah Fisher
• Josh Hayes
• Daniel Joyce
• Katie McDaniel
• Gianna Phelps
• Joy Spivey
• Christian Sullivan
• Emily Tran

Watch It Now.

Below are links to the Visual and Performing Arts Facebook page where both performances are up and ready to be watched. Get your hot cocoa ready and be prepared for the Holiday spirit!

Friday, December 6th, 7:30PM

Sunday, December 8th, 2019.

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