A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION ON SOUTH STATE STREET
let heaven and Nature
Sing
DECEMBER 21, 2025 THE SCHWARTZ CENTER FOR THE ARTS DOVER, DE
WELCOME MESSAGE Greetings! It is my sincere pleasure to welcome each of you to the Schwartz Center for the Arts. Thank you for joining us for this afternoon’s program, “Let Heaven And Nature Sing, A Christmas Celebration On South State Street.” This program, first and foremost, is about community—neighbors gathering, families reconnecting, individual voices singing and making a joyful noise together from their hearts. On behalf of the entire Delaware State University community, I hope you are as excited as we are that you’re here. The Schwartz Center for the Arts is envisioned as a place where the community feels at home, and the experience is rewarding and enjoyable. We recognize that the Arts are essential components of a thriving society. Whether it’s a picture, a book, a theatrical performance, or a song, the arts can cause you to see the world around you in a different way, and ultimately cause a change in attitudes, perceptions, thoughts, and behaviors. It is hoped that today’s program will do just that. “Let Heaven and Nature Sing” is a call for all creation to make a joyful noise! Events like this affirm the power of shared cultural experiences to bring warmth, meaning, and connection into our lives, especially during this special season. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Epitome of Soul has been a vital partner in bringing this celebration to life, and I extend sincere appreciation for their continued dedication to arts education and community engagement. Alongside their work, the leadership and advocacy of Dr. Tony Allen continues to elevate the arts as a cornerstone of university and community life. I also wish to recognize our local partners who help shape Dover’s cultural landscape, including DSU Downtown under the leadership of Dr. Terrell Holmes, the Biggs Museum of American Art, the Delaware Division of the Arts, the Downtown Dover Partnership, and other local arts organizations committed to nurturing creativity close to home. Together, these collaborations ensure that the arts remain accessible, meaningful, and deeply rooted in our community. Warm regards, DR. WILMA MISHOE TRUSTEE AND PRESIDENT EMERITUS DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ADVISORY BOARD CHAIR, SCHWARTZ CENTER FOR THE ARTS
WELCOME MESSAGE Dear Guests, It is with immense joy and gratitude that I extend my warmest welcome to you at the “Let Heaven and Nature Sing: A Christmas Celebration on South State Street” holiday concert. As the Chief Executive Officer of Epitome of Soul, I am honored to be part of this beautiful evening, which brings together our community, families, and artists in celebration of the season’s spirit and the transformative power of music. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Delaware State University and the Schwartz Center for the Arts for their steadfast commitment to the arts with this special celebration. Together, we are fostering an environment where creativity flourishes and meaningful connections are made during this most wonderful time of year. At Epitome of Soul, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders through the arts, offering programs in dance, theater, and visual arts to K-12 students. This holiday celebration reflects our commitment to bringing the community together through artistic excellence and shared experiences that inspire and uplift. As we gather to let heaven and nature sing, may this evening fill your hearts with the magic of the season. Thank you for joining us in this celebration of music, community, and the joy of Christmas. We look forward to creating lasting memories together. NAILAH BUTLER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Sing
let heaven and Nature
A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION ON SOUTH STATE STREET
RUN OF SHOW 2:30 p.m.
Welcome
Synita Butler-Hatcher, Epitome of Soul, Program Director (MC)
Dr. Wilma Mishoe, Board of Trustee and Advisory Board Chair, Schwartz Center for the Arts 2:35 p.m.
Jazmin Salaberrios, Opera Singer
2:45 p.m.
Winds of Praise
Crossroad Christian Church, Flag and Mime Ministry 3 p.m.
Towne Point Youth Chorus
3:10 p.m.
Winds of Praise
3:15 p.m.
Intermission
3:30 p.m.
DSU Ensemble
3:45 p.m.
Calvary Baptist Praise Dance Ministry
3:55 p.m.
Calvary Baptist Combined Church Choir
4:10 p.m.
Calvary Baptist Combined Church Choir and Liturgical Dancers
4:20 p.m.
Closing Remarks
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Nailah Butler, Epitome of Soul, Chief Executive Officer Santa Claus Corner (second floor) and “Jingle Bell Market” (third floor)
JAZMIN SALABERRIOS OPERA SINGER
Jazmin Salaberrios is a soprano, teaching artist, and educator whose career bridges performance, education, and community engagement. With more than 16 years of professional vocal experience, she has performed with Opera Omaha, Kentucky Opera, Berlin Opera Academy (Germany), Siena Summer Music (Italy), 105 Voices of History (National HBCU Choir, Washington DC), 16 Legacy Voices, Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA), Elevation, The Sam Bonds Chorale, The Lloyd Mallory Singers, Delaware Choral Arts, and the Colour of Music Festival (North Carolina). She is also a frequent recitalist and curator, presenting programs such as Hold On!, an immersive exploration of African American resilience, and Smooth OPERAtor, a one-woman show that introduces opera, German lieder, and spirituals to K–5 audiences. She currently serves as a Delaware Teaching Artist and has been recognized with the Delaware Artist Opportunity Grant. Ms. Salaberrios holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Delaware State University and a Master of Music degree from the University of Delaware. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Kentucky. Ms. Salaberrios will perform Silent Night and The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy.
WINDS OF PRAISE
CROSSROAD CHRISTIAN CHURCH FLAG AND MIME MINISTRY
Blessings and Goodness, everyone! We are the Crossroad Christian Church Winds of Praise ministry team. We have Flaggers, Dancers, and Mimers in our midst, but we all share a singular goal: to provide a visual representation of God’s word through song. We are, respectfully, not performers in any way of the word. The scripture that is our foundation is Hebrews 6:10 (KJV): “For God is NOT unrighteous to forget your works and labor of love, which ye have shown toward His name. And that ye minister unto the saints, and ye. Do. MINISTER.” The ministry will perform Speak Your Name/Worthy is Your Name and Silent Night.
TOWNE POINT CHORUS Towne Point Chorus is a vibrant vocal ensemble dedicated to sharing the joy, artistry, and community spirit of choral music. The Towne Point Elementary School Chorus began during the 2018– 2019 school year under the direction of Ms. Crystal Thompkins, with codirectors Ms. Phadre’ West and Ms. Jazmin Salaberrios. Since its founding, the chorus has become known for its warm sound, engaging performances, and commitment to musical excellence. Rooted in the heart of the Towne Point community, the chorus performs a wide-ranging repertoire—from timeless choral classics and contemporary arrangements to seasonal selections and music that reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage. Whether on stage or out in the community, Towne Point Chorus is guided by the belief that choral music has the power to connect hearts, create lasting memories, and celebrate the joy of singing together. Towne Point Youth Chorus will perform Let it Snow and We Give, We Receive.
DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ENSEMBLE The Delaware State University Ensemble is a component of the Concert Choir at Delaware State University and is directed by Professor Christy Taylor. Professor Taylor is a music director with a demonstrated history of working in the music industry. Skilled in Choral, Music Education, Music Composition, Singing, and Jazz, Professor Taylor is a strong. Strong arts and design professional with a Master of Arts - MA focused in Music Teacher Education from Morgan State University. The choir will perform Winter Hymnal and Carols of the Bells.
CALVARY BAPTIST PRAISE DANCE MINISTRY The Calvary Baptist Church Praise Dance Ministry consists of children, teenagers, young adults, and older adults who have a desire and passion to minister in dance. Its goal is to reach others in our community through the creative expression of movement and to create an atmosphere of worship by ministering the Word of God through creative expression of movement. The Praise Dance Ministry Leader is Stephanie Proctor, and the Choreographer is Andrea Hawkins. The group will perform O’Come All Ye Faithful and Joy to the World.
CALVARY BAPTIST COMBINED CHOIR The music ministry acts as a vehicle to usher in the presence of God to move freely among the congregation, preparing the people for the delivery of the Word of God. Its mission is to magnify and glorify Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:16-17) in everything, and to facilitate the fulfillment of the overall mission and vision of Calvary through Spirit-led, anointed, and inspiring music. The Combined Choir of Calvary is a 60-member choir of Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Henry A. Greene, Minister of Music, and Dion L. Savage, Director of Music. The choir will perform Now Behold the Lamb and Joy to the World.
Sing
let heaven and Nature A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION ON SOUTH STATE STREET
CHRISTMAS CONCERT COMMITTEE Dr. Nancy Wellington Bookhart, DSU Grant Writer, Government and Community Relations (Co-Chair) Synita Butler-Hatcher, Epitome of Soul, Program Director (Co-Chair) Claudette Bradley, DSU Administrative Assistant, Schwartz Center for the Arts Nailah Butler, Epitome of Soul, Chief Executive Officer Aleasha Dorsett, DSU Assistant Vice President, Government and Community Relations Darius Godwin, DSU Associate Director, Audio Visual & Lighting Shenequa Harris, DSU Executive Director, Facilities Management Fleet Services Dr. Terrell Holmes, Senior Associate Vice President, Strategic Initiatives DSU Downtown Darrell McMillon, DSU Vice President, Chief Information Officer Sgt. Shawn Rau, DSU Police Department Jonathan Starkey, DSU Assistant to the President and VP for Government Relations
Sing
let heaven and Nature
A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION ON SOUTH STATE STREET
PARTICIPATING VENDORS
Kreative Miniz, That’s Fancy, Mama’s Suds & Sage Homestead, Banana Pudding & Book Café, Sweeta Custom Fashions & Crafts, Bea Delightful, Sirleaf & Malee, Crafty Creatures, Ev’s Crocheted Creations, Punchy Peach Co, Inspire Boutique, Golden Treasures, Delightful Queens by Naomi ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A special thanks to Mayor Robin Christiansen and the City of Dover; Chris Whitfield; DSU Marketing; DSU Copy Center; Institutional Advancement; VOG Derrick Hatcher; Sodexo Catering; and the Cultural Programming Fund as well as the support of all volunteers and participating units. The success of this event was made possible through your dedication, commitment, and unwavering willingness to serve. COMPLETE A SURVEY
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Happy Holidays! 1200 N. DUPONT HWY., DOVER, DE 19901 DESU.EDU | 302. 857.6060