Christmas With Waldorf

Our community has long celebrated the holiday season with the Waldorf music ensembles the first weekend in December just as colleges around the region have done for 100+ years. This past year, Dr. Emilie Bertram and Cory Schmitt captured the hearts of our students and community with a program entitled, “Out of Darkness”. Choral favorites such as "Lux Aurumque" by Eric Whitacre, "O Magnum Mysterium" by Morten Lauridsen, and "This Little Light of Mine" arranged by Moses Hogan, create a soundscape that illustrates emergence. The Waldorf University Wind Symphony presented "Gaudete", (Latin for Rejoice), arranged by Brian Beck, for rejoicing with us during this reverent time, the birth of Jesus. A tuneful prayer of this birth followed in Percy Grainger's arrangement of "The Sussex Mummers Christmas Carol". Community musicians helped fill out the large texture demanded for this megawork, "Russian Christmas Music", by Alfred Reed. Community musicians also contributed to choral selections that punctuated the darkness with moments of celebration to include "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" by Dan Forrest and "I Saw Three Ships" arranged by John Frederick Hudson.

The spectacular was welcomed by many with brass ringing from the orchestra pit alongside Immanuel Lutheran Church Bell Choir while the Waldorf Choir decorated the stage in their beautiful purple velvet robes. The Waldorf Art faculty, Keely McLain, and students’ works of art inspired by the musical selection of the program were cast on the walls of the Boman throughout the program thanks to Dan May, Director of the Boman Fine Arts Center, and featured in the Art Gallery in the lobby as well. Lest we not forget the great blessings of Nancy Farndale, Composer in Residence, as she created original compositions for our choir. And finally, the experience will never be as rich as it is when accompanied by our very own, Melissa (Hagen) Phillips. Her sensitivity, technical brilliance, humility and passion are incomparable. This year she shared the piano bench with piano performance student, Riley Walton, for a 4-hand accompaniment of an incredible piece programmed with brass and choir by Dr. Bertram. A challenge well met by all. As times continue to propel us into change, our celebration through music will remain a cornerstone to who we are at Waldorf University. The innovation of the department and students can be witnessed in highlights such as the pre-show features by the Waldorf Jazz Ensemble, Brass Quintet, Guitar Sextet and student duets. We have been given an opportunity to reflect on what our music ensembles give to the community - a community made up of campus, local residents, families and alumni. We, as a department, have embraced a mission to be more intentional about the function of our performances for teaching, entertaining, and inspiring lifelong arts contributors. It is evident traditions cannot merely exist on a calendar, but rather be maintained in concept and message.

Therefore, reimagine with me, a series of performances that serve the students, campus, community, alumni, and future with respect to a legacy of quality and innovation. Respond to the call and join us in our mission: contribute your talents - sponsor a performance - raise awareness of the arts in your community - donate or volunteer! Finally, Receive our “Gift of Music” as we present to you a concert aimed at celebrating what you, the alumni, local community, area music teachers, and families have provided for us in the way of opportunity.

Have someone you would like us to celebrate in this “Gift of Music”? Send your recommendation to music@waldorf.edu.

Sincerely,

Melanie Harms Espeland, Ph.D Department Chair & Associate Professor of Music