性视界

From choral songs about winter鈥檚 contrast of dark to light, to spirited jazz renditions of holiday classics, 性视界鈥檚 music department presented a pair of festive concerts Dec. 5 and 6.

鈥淒arkness and Light,鈥� featuring 性视界鈥檚 choirs, was directed by Professors David Rentz and Bethany Encina. The choral repertoire included the words of Shakespeare in the 2016 Ruth Morris Gray song 鈥淗ow Like a Winter鈥� as well as the 2011 canon 鈥淐ome In! Come In!鈥� based on a poem by Abbie Betinis.

Students also sang Gregorian folk songs and hymns, including the 14^th century medieval chant 鈥淧olorum Regina.鈥�

The 鈥淗oliday Band Concert,鈥� directed by Professor of Music Patrick Aranda, showcased diverse holiday classics from 鈥淪leigh Ride鈥� by Leroy Anderson to 鈥淟ight the Menorah,鈥� an arrangement by Evan Van Doren. Jazz performances will include familiar songs including 鈥淪anta Claus is Coming to Town鈥� and 鈥淕od Rest Ye Merry 骋别苍迟濒别尘别苍.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 very excited for this performance due to Pat鈥檚 implementation of the classical holiday music, but with a personal twist,鈥� said music major Jonni Munoz. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a festive evening of both groups that everyone of all backgrounds and ages would want to see.鈥�

Munoz, who plays tenor saxophone, alto sax and clarinet, is currently pursuing a degree to become a music director and theorist.

Erica Lopez-Elwell, who plays piano with the jazz band, is pursuing a career as a teacher. She is participating in the band program to enhance and improve her musical skills while working toward getting her teaching credential. Lopez-Elwell said she looked forward to the jazz arrangement of 鈥淕od Rest Ye Merry 骋别苍迟濒别尘别苍.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 a slightly chaotic, but also an extremely energetic, slightly stressful, difficult, but extremely fun rendition of the carol,鈥� she said.