Carols at Christmas Celebration features skillful performances from School of Church Music

During this year’s “Carols at Christmas Celebration,” Dec. 6, concertgoers were treated to the sounds of their favorite Christmas songs from the moment they arrived at the MacGorman Chapel and Performing Arts Center. Positioned in the chapel foyer, an all-brass orchestra serenaded attendees, providing a taste of the skillful musicianship they would experience later that evening.

The annual Christmas concert put on by the School of Church Music is one of Southwestern’s favorite Christmas traditions and is attended by hundreds each year. Musicians deliver songs from a variety of musical styles, from “Jingle Bells” to “Carol of the Bells” and “Joy to the World.” The tradition brings together people from the Fort Worth community as well as students, faculty, Southwestern supporters, and Southwestern alumni from decades past, including this year a couple who graduated 70 years ago.

The evening featured performances from many familiar ensembles (the Master Chorale, the Southwestern Music Academy, the Southwestern International Children’s Choir, and Steinway pianists), but also featured many new performances. New to this year’s program were more vocal and instrumental soloists, the student worship band, the newly formed chamber orchestra, the Southwestern brass players, and a newly formed guitar quartet. 

Later in the evening, Interim President D. Jeffrey Bingham welcomed attendees to the night of worship, offering a prayer for each. “May the Lord bless you,” Bingham said, “and may He give birth in your hearts to the joy of the Christmas season as we remember together the birth and the incarnation of the eternal Son of God, Jesus Christ.”

Dean of the School of Church Music Leo Day also greeted attendees, expressing thanks to the many individuals, church groups and President’s Club members who were in attendance that night. Day specifically offered recognition to those who generously give of their time and finances to support the music school’s mission to “train all skillfully, to perform masterfully, so that we may worship passionately.” 

“Everyone who appears on this stage tonight are all Southwestern students or Southwestern faculty,” Day said. “We are very blessed, and all glory to heaven for what He is doing in this place called Southwestern.”