‘Holiday Extravaganza’ highlights talents of Bridgewater College music ensembles

Bridgewater College music ensembles will perform familiar seasonal songs during two Holiday Extravaganza concerts this weekend in the Concert Hall of Carter Center for Worship and Music.

One of the most popular musical performances of the year, the Holiday Extravaganza will be sure to get attendees into the holiday spirit. Split into two concerts to accommodate the large audience, both performances will feature the Concert Choir, Chorale, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, The Men’s Choir and audience sing-alongs.

The first holiday concert will be held Friday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m., and the second concert will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 7.

During Friday’s performance, additional ensembles will include the Trumpet Ensemble, Chamber Strings and Percussion Ensemble. The Flute Choir, Saxophone Choir and BC Tuba Guys will perform on Saturday.

Under the direction of Dr. Ryan Keebaugh ’02, the Concert Choir will begin both concerts with “Angels for the Realms of Glory” as arranged by Dan Forrest. Keebaugh will also lead the Chorale in performing “Gaudete” as arranged by Brian Kay, “Silent Night” as arranged by Dan Forrest and “Echo” by Rob Dietz. Adjunct Instructor of Music Amy Robertson will accompany the Concert Choir and Chorale on piano.

Under the direction of Dr. Christine Carrillo, the Jazz Ensemble will perform “The Twelve Days of Christmas” as arranged by Paul Clark, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Vince Guaraldi and arranged by Paul Murtha, and “Go Tell it on the Mountain” as arranged by Mat Montgomery. At the conclusion of both concerts, Carrillo will lead the Symphonic Band in performing “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Albert Hague and Eugene Poddany and arranged by Larry Clark, “The Polar Express” by Alan Silverstri and Glen Ballard and arranged by Jerry Brubaker, and “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson.

Both performances are free and open to the public.

Founded in 1880, Bridgewater College is a private, four-year liberal arts college in the Central Shenandoah Valley. Bridgewater College is home to approximately 1,450 students pursuing degrees in more than 60 undergraduate majors and minors and four graduate programs housed within three distinct schools.