BrownwoodNews – Howard Payne University’s band and choral programs will present a joint Christmas concert on Thursday, November 29, at 7:30 p.m. The event will take place in the university’s Mims Auditorium and is free and open to the public.
The band will open the evening with “The Star Spangled Banner” followed by two performances each by HPU’s Concert Choir and Heritage Singers. Leading more than 60 student performers for the evening are Frank Nelson, director of bands and assistant professor of music, and Dr. Christopher Rosborough, director of choral activities and assistant professor of music.
HPU’s Heritage Singers will perform “Of The Father’s Love Begotten” arranged by Paul Wohlgemuth and “Mary Had a Baby” arranged by William Dawson. The Concert Choir will perform “What Sweeter Music” by John Rutter and “A Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas” by Craig Courtney.
The band will perform “And the Mountains Echoed: Gloria!” by Robert Longfield. This musical work was inspired by the biblical narrative of the appearance of the angels to the shepherds telling them of the birth of Jesus. Additional Christmas pieces to be performed include “Greensleeves” arranged by Alfred Reed; “Mary’s Boy Child” arranged by Philip Sparke; “Sussex Mummers’ Christmas Carol” by Percy Grainger; “The Christmas Song” by Robert Wells and Mel Tormé; and “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson.
The band and choir will join forces in presenting several Christmas carols in a unique setting arranged by David Wilcox – “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “The First Nowell.”
“We invite all of Brown County to come and experience this celebration of Christmas music with us,” said Nelson. “It’s a great way to start off the Christmas season for you and your family. And the best part about it – the concert is absolutely free! It’s our gift to the community. We hope you’ll make plans to attend!”
For more information, contact HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts at 325-649-8500.
