For their annual Christmas performance, campus music groups presented “Round the Table Carol Sing” to hundreds of audience members in the FC Gym, Dec. 15.
The event, which began at 5:30 p.m., consisted of performances from Jazz Band, Celebration Choir, Adoration Ensemble, Ukulele Club, Concert Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble and the Junior High Women’s Ensemble, with some solos in each group.
Songs and compositions ranged from Christmas carols to African hymns to original pieces, such as the Percussion Ensemble’s adaptation of “The Little Drummer Boy.” Because lyrics were projected on a large screen, attendees were encouraged to sing along with the performers.
Between presentations, Principal Todd Bennett shared a story, entitled “Dirty,” that was written by his friend, Doug Brendel. This tale was intended to remind audience members of the religious aspect of the holiday season.
Although admission was free, tickets were available for preferred seating. At intermission, the performers served complimentary cookies and cider to the guests.
Among the crowd were many students who had come to hear their peers perform.
“I like music in general, and a lot of my friends are in choir and band,” Lizzie Williams, ’12, said. “They worked hard to put this together, so we should come to see them. I think the decorations looked great. I was a bit surprised that it would be in the gym, but it turned out really well.”
Although not a Fresno Christian student, 4th grader Jessica White of Gettysburg Elementary attended to support a family friend.
“I came to the concert because my friend, Sarah [Schoneman, ’12], is singing in it,” White said. “I’m having fun. I like all the singing; it sounds really good.”
In addition to students, several teachers and administrators took advantage of this opportunity to hear performances from multiple campus groups.
“The beat and rhythm of the concert was absolutely great, and singing in different languages was creative and fun,” Natalie Douty, junior high humanities teacher, said. “They sounded professional, as if they had years of training. This concert absolutely showed the great talent of the music department.”
Toward the end of the night, Craig Duerr, campus parent and member of the school board, collected donations to fund Christmas gifts for faculty, an annual tradition.
Performers reflect on event
After presenting “Round the Table Carol Sing,” music director Michael Ogdon evaluated the performances of his musical groups.
“I was certainly proud of the work done to produce the RTCS,” Ogdon said in an e-mail. “The students worked hard on the music while the staff and parent support teams pulled things together for the decorating of the gym. It seemed the practicing and preparing ‘peaked’ at just the right time. Everything looked and sounded great.”
To make the setting more intimate and festive, lamp posts were placed throughout the gym, tables featured holiday centerpieces and soft lights illuminated the performers. Ogdon believes these factors contributed to the success of the concert.
“People were caught up by the beauty of the setting as they came into the room,” Ogdon said. “Stage lighting gently directed the audience’s attention from stage to stage as the students moved through the program. I believe the performers felt the connections being made with the audience and were encouraged to sing and play that much better.”
For choir and ensemble students, this concert marked a major performance of the first semester.
“This is a very big performance; it’s one of the highlights of the year,” senior Nigel Alcorn, a member of Celebration Choir, said. “We didn’t prepare as much as I expected, but I think the audience responded well and that all the performers had a good time.”
Over winter break, each group will be preparing for future festivals and performances, Ogdon said.
For more photos of the event, view the slideshow or check out Singing round the table; Choir, cider and clubs; Busy director; and Bringing the baby. For more information, read the Nov. 30 article, Ensembles to present Christmas concert.
Mary Hierholzer and Ashley Ward also contributed to this article.
