The BYU–Hawaii music department is pleased to feature its many talented ensembles and musicians at the second annual Christmas Music Devotional on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 in the Cannon Activities Center. Showcasing the University Choral, Brass Quintet, String Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Concert Choir as well as two student pianist, this once a year devotional promises to be a delight to the spirit as it communicates messages centered around the inspiration of this sacred season. "I think it will be a time that we can reflect on the birth of the Savior and really focus in on the spirit of Christmas and what it’s about," commented Michael Belnap, director of the Concert Choir and coordinator of this musical extravaganza.
"This isn’t about the traditional secular Christmas items, the hoopla, the presents," continued Belnap. "This is about the meaning of Christmas and to bring it more poignantly into our lives as it is reflected in the music."
The music department will not be the only ones lending their voices and talents to kick of the Christmas season. Inviting audience participation, a carol sing–a–long of many favorite and traditional Christmas songs will be incorporated into this commemoration of Christʻs birth. The program, similar to that of "Music and the Spoken Word" performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, will include a special Christmas message from President Steven C. Wheelwright as well as many student read nativity story scriptures from Luke.
This being a devotional unlike another held during the year, performers and speakers alike hope to communicate through spoken language and through song. "Music just has a way of combining [a message] with music that really bring it home to our hearts and make it speak louder than just hearing the word alone," said Belnap. "Whether there are actual words to the music or if it’s just an instrumental piece of music there’s something that carries on the music, that speaks to the soul that can have a deep and lasting effect and really make an impression that will reinforce the power of the spirit."
Musical numbers include: a piano duet entitled "First Legend" composed by Antonin Dvorak and performed by students JiYoung Lim and Jenson Blue; "Hark the Glad Sound" arranged by John Purifoy sung by Elizabeth Kammererʻs University Chorale and accompanied by James Kammererʻs Brass Quintet; "Concert in G minor" from Arcangelo Corelliʻs "Christmas Concerto" performed by the String Ensemble and directed by Dan Bradshaw; "Jesu Joy of Manʻs Desiring" arranged by Jennifer Duerden, performed by the Percussion Ensemble, and directed by Darren Duerden; and Natalie Sleethʻs "Baby, What You Going to Be" performed by the Concert Choir, accompanied by the String Ensemble, and directed by Michael Belnap.
All are invited to bring your singing voices and your Christmas spirit to this once a year Christmas celebration.