By Mary Best
Managing Editor
The SBU Concert Choir and Concert Band spread Christmas cheer singing (and playing) loud for all to hear last Sunday for their annual Christmas concert.
The choir, directed by Kathryn A. Black and accompanied by Griffin Kramer on piano, displayed their intricate vocal skills in select choruses and solos from Georg Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.” Each classical piece explored a variety of vocal techniques and tempos.
Bassist Matthew Turnquist, a senior journalism and mass communication major, showcased his warm, strong voice in his rendition of “But Who May Abide,” wonderfully performed in between the heavenly “And the Glory of the Lord,” and Alto and freshman undecided major Micaela Maria Young’s solo in “O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion.” Young’s pretty, vibrant voice rang through the Rigas Family Theater.
The choir continued their program with “Glory to God,” and “He Shall Feed His Flock,” featuring alto soloist Kayla O’Keefe, a senior journalism and mass communication major, in another solo as equally beautiful as her predecessors.
Soprano Christina Stankewicz, a junior history major, showcased her lovely upper range in “Come Unto Him,” providing a perfect transition to the concluding piece, the “Hallelujah” chorus.
The SBU Concert Choir flawlessly executed Handel’s pinnacle Christmas choir piece to the traditional standing audience, and concluded the first half of the concert on a high note.
Following the performance, O’Keefe was recognized as a graduating member of the concert choir, having been a part of choir since she arrived at Bonaventure four years ago. Black also recognized seniors Emily Beeker, an alto, and Jesse Altaville, a bassist and computer science major, for their hard work and dedication to the program this semester.
After a short break, SBU Concert Band, directed by Jason B. Fox, took the stage for its holiday selections. After beginning its program with “We Three Kings of Orient Are,” arranged by Harold L. Waters, Fox conducted the band in “Old Brenton Carol,” by Gustav Holst and arranged by Robert W. Smith. Both pieces featured seamless integration of brass and woodwind instruments and put the audience into the Christmas spirit.
The band’s latter half of the performance featured two different yet festive medleys. “Yuletide at Yorkshire,” also arranged by Harold L. Walters, provided an array of British holiday musical treats. The medley included some traditional hymns such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Good King Wenceslas” and “I Saw Three Ships.”
Senior trumpet player Molly Bly, a senior elementary and special education major, was recognized for her impressive dedication to the Concert Band, as she will take on student teaching in the spring.
Finally, the band closed with the appropriately titled, “Celebrate Christmas,” arranged by Elliot Del Borgo. It featured such holiday gems as “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Deck the Halls” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” The energetic compilation of songs was the perfect way to close a lovely afternoon of holiday cheer.
In case you missed the concert on Sunday, the SBU Music Department has a few more opportunities to experience some seasonal musical treats.
On Tuesday, Dec. 11, students can take a break from studying to come to Café LaVerna at 7 p.m., for a quick coffee and to hear Trio LTM play Christmas tunes. This performance is sponsored by the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and will feature Chairperson of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, Leslie Sabina on bass, adjunct instructor of music Moses Howden on drums, and SUNY Fredonia guitar instructor, Tom Gestwicki, on guitar.
The SBU Blues/Rock Ensemble, directed by Terry Bellamy, adjunct instructor of music, will present a showcase at the Hickey Tavern in Allegany at 8 p.m. on the same evening.
