Production bursts open the Christmas season

By Ashley Coker
Staff Writer

Last weekend, the music department presented The Many Moods of Christmas by Robert Shaw, a collection of traditional Christmas songs that held appeal for people of all ages.

The Many Moods of Christmas was a two-part production.

The first part was made up of five songs performed by a full 35-piece orchestra, consisting of both Bryan students and professionals from the Chattanooga area.

Bryan College Chorale accompanied the orchestra for the second part of the production, which included four suites of popular Christmas carols.

The production was directed by Professor of Music Dr. Mel Wilhoit, who said that it was wonderful to have many of his students playing with a professional level group.

Chorale Director David Luther said, “The arrangements have a definite similarity to famous movie soundtracks and will appeal to the general public.”

Ticket sale numbered around 400, and included people from Rhea and neighboring counties, as well as the Bryan College community, according to Darlene Lestmann, performing arts coordinator.

According to Chorale Singer Jubilee Lofgren, Chorale singers received the music at the end of September and practiced it intensely from October until the time of the production.