2008 Woodie Awards
Christmas at Lakeland
A glorious holiday concert
Paul Davis
Issue date: 12/10/03 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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Christmas at Lakeland took place over two days, the sixth and seventh of December. The performances took place in the Bradley Building, at seven o'clock on the sixth and three o'clock on the seventh. Three groups performed on these evenings: Concert Choir, Frauenchor, and the concert band.
The beginning of the concert, as is tradition for the past several years, was the Personent Hodie, a 13th century processional in Latin. The lights dimmed as both choirs marched down the side aisles and made their way to the risers. With music memorized, their voices carried through the hall along with chimes played by Doctor Eugene Bechen (the new band director); trumpets played by two guests, Tom Engmann and Larry Marcus; Professor Janet Herrick-Stuczynski conducting; and Jonathan Eifert playing the organ.
The choirs also played instruments such as hand chimes and a drum, adding to the intense concentration that was present in their steps and face.
After the opening performance, Lakeland College president Doctor Stephen Gould took the stage. He spoke on how wonderful it was to be at a Christian college where they could focus on Jesus and even sing about him, which would not happen at a public college.
The Lakeland Frauenchor then took its place to sing. The all women's choir kept a good harmony and sounded pleasant to the ears while on stage singing the songs "Angels We Have Heard on High" arranged by James Machan, "What Sweeter Music" by Eleanor Daily, and "Deck the Halls" in an arrangement made by James McKelvy. Despite the lack of piano in their pieces to help with pitch as their songs were a cappella, they maintained a very good sound.
Eifert conducted the first song, due to a recent heart operation Professor Herrick-Stuczynski undergone. After that, Professor Herrick-Stuczynski conducted the final songs.
The Lakeland College Concert Choir performed next. They were accompanied by Doctor Arthur Johnson. At one point both Doctor Johnson and Eiffert even sang with the choir, doing several a cappella pieces, and they were able to keep a tight harmony. They sang "Hodie, Christus Natus Est" in Latin by Healey Willan, "O Thou Who Tellest Good Tidings to Zion" from Handel's Messiah, "Glory, Glory, Glory to the Newborn King" by Moses Hogan, and "Masters in This Hall" arranged by Mark Hayes.
The beginning of the concert, as is tradition for the past several years, was the Personent Hodie, a 13th century processional in Latin. The lights dimmed as both choirs marched down the side aisles and made their way to the risers. With music memorized, their voices carried through the hall along with chimes played by Doctor Eugene Bechen (the new band director); trumpets played by two guests, Tom Engmann and Larry Marcus; Professor Janet Herrick-Stuczynski conducting; and Jonathan Eifert playing the organ.
The choirs also played instruments such as hand chimes and a drum, adding to the intense concentration that was present in their steps and face.
After the opening performance, Lakeland College president Doctor Stephen Gould took the stage. He spoke on how wonderful it was to be at a Christian college where they could focus on Jesus and even sing about him, which would not happen at a public college.
The Lakeland Frauenchor then took its place to sing. The all women's choir kept a good harmony and sounded pleasant to the ears while on stage singing the songs "Angels We Have Heard on High" arranged by James Machan, "What Sweeter Music" by Eleanor Daily, and "Deck the Halls" in an arrangement made by James McKelvy. Despite the lack of piano in their pieces to help with pitch as their songs were a cappella, they maintained a very good sound.
Eifert conducted the first song, due to a recent heart operation Professor Herrick-Stuczynski undergone. After that, Professor Herrick-Stuczynski conducted the final songs.
The Lakeland College Concert Choir performed next. They were accompanied by Doctor Arthur Johnson. At one point both Doctor Johnson and Eiffert even sang with the choir, doing several a cappella pieces, and they were able to keep a tight harmony. They sang "Hodie, Christus Natus Est" in Latin by Healey Willan, "O Thou Who Tellest Good Tidings to Zion" from Handel's Messiah, "Glory, Glory, Glory to the Newborn King" by Moses Hogan, and "Masters in This Hall" arranged by Mark Hayes.