RMCS Winter 2025 Program

Program

Song introductions written by Steve Lovaas We Shall Light a Thousand Candles Hodie Christus natus est a8 O magnum mysterium A Hymn to the Virgin

David Rasbach Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina Andrea Gabrieli Benjamin Britten

Übers Gebirg Maria geht Frohlocket, ihr Völker auf Erden O Heiland, reiss die Himmel auf Frohlocket, ihr Gerechten Laylat al-Milad Soloist: Steve Lovaas A Yiddish Lullaby Soloist: Chris Lalonde Hela Rotan

Johann Eccard Felix Mendelssohn Johannes Brahms Josef Rheinberger Trad Arabic, arr. A Mulè Mordechai Gebirtig Trad Indonesian, arr. Ken Steven

INTERMISSION I Saw Three Ships

Trad English, arr. Edwin Fissinger

Coventry Carol Trad English, arr. Garrett Breeze Wexford Carol Trad Irish, arr. Martin Seiler Soloists: Ian Rousom, Angela Bosco-Lauth, Heather Vesgaard, Ann Jeffers, Matt Wiersma Carol of the Russian Children/The Sleigh Arr. Derric Johnson Soloist: Ann Jeffers What Sweeter Music Can We Bring?

Soloist: Lilly Bailey Infant Holy, Infant Lowly The Lamb Soloist: Vickie Wiersma Mary Had a Baby Soloist: Amy Resseguie

David Dickau Trad Polish, arr. Brent Wells Luke Mayernik

Trad Spiritual, arr. Craig Courtney

Welcome Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers invites you to wrap yourself in the beauty of Winter Tapestry: Woven Together in Song—a vibrant collection of choral works spanning centuries, cultures and traditions. Timeless classics and contemporary gems come together in a program that feels both familiar and fresh.

From quiet, snow-dusted moments to lively bursts of cheer, each piece contributes its own thread to a cozy, musical tapestry. We thank you for joining us today for a luminous celebration of the season and the connections that make winter bright.

Our Choir Ann Bunyan founded the Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers in Loveland, Colorado in 1988, with the goal of bringing a cappella choral music to northern Colorado. The group enjoys performing a great variety of styles, from the Renaissance masters through folk songs from around the world, to modern doo-wop, jazz, barbershop and pop/rock. The Chamber Singers revel in the breadth and variety of this literature, which requires an ear for many different styles and a dedication to precision and blend.

Audience members have raved, “Your selection of pieces is inspired!” and “Such wonderful blend and diction.” Reviews have praised the “…astounding display of virtuosity in technique, execution, style and versatility” and “…exact phrasing, excellent diction, impeccable intonation and a thorough knowledge of every style.”

Recordings include “RMCS A Cappella!”, “Christmas with the Chamber Singers”, “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and “Best of the Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers.”

Our Director, Dr. David Dunbar Born in Heidelberg, Germany, David Dunbar began his musical training at an early age in piano, organ, voice, cello, conducting, and composition. His formal education includes a Bachelor of Music degree from Brigham Young University, a Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Arizona.

Dr. Dunbar also holds an Advanced Certificate in Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television from the University of Southern California. He has

conducted choruses and orchestras in the United States, Canada, and Europe, and continues to work as a composer, arranger, and orchestrator.

In addition to being director of the RMCS (since 2022), he also serves as Director of Music and the Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins.

Our Singers Aaron Owen (joined 2019) Amy Resseguie (2013) Angela Bosco-Lauth (2012) Ann Jeffers (2024) Cassie Foust (2023) Chris Lalonde (2024) Dani Schlueter (2018) Heather Vesgaard (2008) Ian Rousom (2013) Jean Lemmon (2025)

Joya Migliaccio (2021) Justin Roth (2025) Kristen Cummings (2017) Lilly Bailey (2025) Matt Pearson (2024) Matt Wiersma (2019) Nan Eckardt (2010) Sean Fagan (2025) Steve Lovaas (2003) Vickie Wiersma (2019)

Meet The Singers Aaron Owen dedicates himself to music, whether he’s playing saxophone, keys, clarinet, singing, or writing and producing music. By day he’s an apprentice electrician, and by night he gigs with two local bands, Texas Red and Hotel Wifi, headlining shows across the Front Range. Aaron enjoys singing in RMCS with his mom, Kristen.

Amy Resseguie is a writer, editor, and CSU alum who has spent her career working in communications and public engagement with the city of Fort Collins. Amy has sung with the Opera Fort Collins chorus and various church ensembles. She has loved singing with RMCS for the last decade, as well as helping out behind the scenes with our board duties and marketing efforts.

Angela Bosco-Lauth moved to Fort Collins for college and never left.

After completing both her PhD and DVM degrees at CSU, she now works there as an associate professor teaching the next generation of veterinarians and researching infectious diseases. Music helps keep her balanced, and in addition to RMCS, she also sings with the Larimer Chorale. Her other hobbies include martial arts, horseback riding, hiking, hunting, and homesteading with her spouse and their assortment of pets.

Ann Jeffers has loved music and performing since early childhood.

Since moving to NOCO in 2019, she has also sung with Seicento Baroque Ensemble, Pro Musica Terrae Amoris, and Loveland Opera Theater. Between 1980 and 2000, she lived in Boston and sang opera, oratorio and song recitals. In 2022 she retired from a career as a genetic

counselor and clinical educator specializing in hereditary cancer. She lives happily in Loveland with her partner, Robin. Her daughter Fiona is a fearless wilderness EMT and educator.

Cassie Foust has always enjoyed music and singing and has earned a B.A. in music education from California State University, Fullerton. She lives in Loveland with her husband and two young children, with whom she currently stays home. She enjoys reading, kickboxing, and adventuring outdoors with her family. Cassie is loving her time with RMCS and getting back into singing and performing.

Chris Lalonde grew up in a music-loving household and got his start through musical theater and various brass instruments. He joined his first a cappella group in college at Notre Dame and has been involved in groups representing various styles since, including as a long-time member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Chris is a recent transplant to Colorado after stops around the country and lives in Fort Collins with his wife, two boys, and two cats.

Dani Schlueter is a music therapist and voice/guitar/ukulele instructor at Foundation Music School in Ft. Collins. A native of Chicago, she earned a bachelor's in K-12 music education at Wartburg College in Iowa and a Masters in music therapy at CSU. She and her husband welcomed their first child in November 2023. Besides singing with RMCS, Dani enjoys sewing, board gaming, playing the ukulele, and being “Mama!”

Heather Vesgaard and husband Matt live in Fort Collins with their family. With degrees in social work from CSU, Heather is the executive director for the non-profit youth development organization Partners. In addition to RMCS, Heather volunteers with the music and arts ministry at First Presbyterian Church Fort Collins and as a BOD member of the Centennial Children's Chorus. When not working, parenting, or singing, Heather enjoys cuddling her dogs and exercising in the Colorado sunshine!

Ian Rousom is a Fellow in the aerospace industry and a father of four very musical children. He is involved alongside his wife, Kristin, in many music and service roles throughout Colorado, particularly volunteering at Faith Church in Fort Collins. Ian holds degrees in chemistry, computer science, and information technology, and a minor in music. His hobbies include construction, stained glass, and woodworking.

Jean Lemmon returned to Colorado in 2020 after retiring from the Water Quality Division of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. She has been involved in early music (Renaissance and earlier) since her days at Colorado College, is cofounder of Pro Musica Terrrae Amoris and is active with the music program at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins. Jean loves hiking, cooking good food, and knitting.

Joya Migliaccio was born and raised in Colorado Springs. She completed her undergraduate and veterinary degrees at CSU. She currently practices primarily small animal medicine. She moved back to Fort Collins in 2021 where she lives with her 4 dogs, cat, and horse. In her free time outside of work and singing she enjoys exploring the outdoors, reading, baking, doing puzzles, and playing card and board games with her friends and family.

Justin Roth is a singer/songwriter and fingerstyle acoustic guitarist who toured nationally for over 20 years and released six albums. After a choral hiatus since the late 1900s, now he’s thrilled to sing with RMCS. He’s a father of two, husband of one, and spends his time teaching guitar, making YouTube tutorials, leading songwriting workshops in schools, transcribing music, DJing on KRFC, and playing solo gigs.

Kristen Cummings lives in Fort Collins with her husband, Jason, your friendly ticket-taker at the door. As a recent empty nester, she’s adjusting to the quieter moments at home after raising four sons.

Kristen studied music at CU Boulder and has sung with the Denver Opera Company, Larimer Chorale, and Dickens Carolers, with a fondness for music theatre performance. She works in communications in the travel industry and when not working can be found jetting off to new destinations. Kristen is thrilled to be singing again with her son, Aaron.

Lilly Bailey started singing before she could talk. She started singing in junior high choir back in Texas, through high school (making the Texas All State Choir!), and into college where she studied music. She has sung with Christ the King Singers in Dallas, and Fort Worth Chorale. Lilly was a choir director in Texas for 4 years before she and her husband Sean moved out to Fort Collins. Hobbies include hanging out with her cats, collecting house plants, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Matt Pearson brings with him a lifelong love of singing in choirs and small ensembles. Originally from England, Matt relocated to Fort Collins

in August, accompanying his wife as she began a new role at Colorado State University. Working remotely as a software professional, Matt appreciates the flexibility to support his children’s sports and music pursuits. In his free time, he enjoys exploring northern Colorado’s scenic surroundings and cheering on his beloved Liverpool FC. Matt Wiersma has been involved in music for much of his life, performing in choirs and bands, and enjoying the opportunity to sing, play drums, or piano at church. Matt also stays busy with a wide range of home projects—everything from installing solar panels and a fireplace to renovating a school bus. Matt and Vickie are having a grand time exploring the wonders of parenthood with their 1 year old Felix, making this an exciting and memorable time for their family.

Nan Eckardt and her husband, Simon Tavener, have called Fort Collins home since 2000. Nan has enjoyed singing choral music all her life and also sings with the Larimer Chorale. She is an avid birdwatcher, photographer, hiker, cyclist, and cross-country skier. Indoors, she enjoys reading, cooking, and playing the piano. Nan has a Ph.D. in plant biology and is newly retired from her work as a senior editor for the scientific journal The Plant Cell.

Sean Fagan is excited to join RMCS, ending a three-year choral break after moving to Fort Collins with his wife, Lilly Bailey. Previously, he performed across DFW Texas with the Fort Worth Chorale, Christ the King Singers, and the Goode Time Carolers. Though he earned a music degree from UT Arlington, Sean pivoted from recording studio work to a career in IT systems administration. Along with singing, Sean connects to his musical roots through bass guitar, DJing, and seeing concerts with Lilly and friends.

Steve Lovaas has a music degree from UConn and has performed in opera, choral, folk, and early-music ensembles around the country.

Steve is the chief information security officer for the CSU System, and his community engagement has included stints as president of Opera Fort Collins and Colorado Science Olympiad. He and his wife, Heidi, now take every opportunity to explore a new retreat in the San Luis Valley.

Vickie Wiersma is thrilled to sing in this year's Christmas concert! An amateur in the traditional sense, she also sings for the praise band at Immanuel CRC, in recitals under the tutelage of Ginger Martin, and all day (and night) to her one year old son, Felix. When not singing, Vickie

enjoys painting her nails, writing fiction, and putting on tea parties for her friends!

Thank You! We would like to thank our wonderful contributors to Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers! Your generous support makes it possible for us to continue offering a cappella music across Northern Colorado.

Patrons ($1000+) Sponsors ($500–$999) Benefactors ($250–$499)

Sustainers ($100–$249)

Friends (Up to $99)

Ann Bunyan Nan Eckardt Amy Resseguie Angela Bosco Lauth Bruce DeMichaels and David Dunbar Kjerstin Thorson Steve and Heidi Lovaas Joya Migliaccio Karlin Gray Anne Beer Matt and Heather Vesgaard Justin Roth Jason and Kristen Cummings

Join our list of Sponsors by making a tax-deductible donation in the lobby, by donating online or by sending a check to: Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers c/o Heather Vesgaard 1412 Fleetwood Court Fort Collins, CO 80521

Keep in Touch With RMCS Follow us on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM, find us on YOUTUBE and on the WEB at www.rockymountainchambersingers.org and sign up at the door for our NEWSLETTER to receive news of upcoming events.

Enjoy beautiful choral music with these regional ensembles

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for a Digital program, with additional Notes, Lyrics, and Singers’ bios:

Song Lyrics & Translation We Shall Light a Thousand Candles (David Rasbach) We shall light a thousand candles, dispelling the night with a glorious morn, We shall sing a thousand candles proclaiming our wonderful Savior is born!

Tell it far and tell it near Speak of the love He gave us Ev’ry nation needs to hear “Jesus was born to save us.”

We shall light a thousand candles, dispelling the night with a glorious morn, We shall sing a thousand candles proclaiming our wonderful Savior is born.

Go into the blinding night, Sing of this great salvation.

Take the glorious Gospel light to ev’ry tongue and nation.

We shall light a thousand candles, dispelling the night with a glorious morn, We shall sing a thousand candles proclaiming our wonderful Savior is born.

Hodie Christus natus est Hodie Christus natus est hodie Salvator apparuit: hodie in terra canunt Angeli, laetantur Archangeli: hodie exsultant justi, dicentes: Gloria in excelsis Deo, alleluja.

[Translation from Latin] Today is Christ born; today the Savior has appeared; today the Angels sing, the Archangels rejoice; today the righteous rejoice, saying: Glory to God in the highest. Alleluia!

O Magnum Mysterium (Andrea Gabrieli) O magnum mysterium. Et admirabile sacramentum Ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, Jacentem in praesepio! Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum. Alleluia.

[Translation from Latin] O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the newborn Lord, lying in a manger! Blessed is the virgin whose womb was worthy

to bear the Lord, Jesus Christ. Alleluia!

A Hymn to the Virgin.

(Anon.)

[Translation from Latin] Of one that is so fair and bright. Velut maris stella [like a star] Brighter than the day is light, Parens et puella [Mother & maiden] I cry to the, thou see to me, Lady, pray thy Son for me, Tam pia [so pure/holy] That I may come to thee. Maria [Mary].

All this world was forlorn Eva peccatrice [Because of Eve, a sinner] Till our Lord was y-born De te genetrice [Through you, his mother] With ave it went away Darkest night and comes the day. Salutis [Of salvation] The well springeth out of thee, Virtutis [Of virture] Lady, flow’r of everything, Rose sine spina [Rose without a thorn] Thou bore Jesu, Heaven’s King, Gratia divina [By divine grace] Of all thou bear'st the prize, Lady, queen of paradise Electa [Chosen one] Maid mild, mother es Effecta [You were made]. Übers Gebirg Maria geht (Johann Eccard) Über's Gebirg' Maria geht,Zu ihrer Bas' Elisabeth.

Sie grüßt die Freundin, die vom Geist,Freudig bewegt Maria preist.Und sie des Herren Mutter nennt.

Maria ward fröhlich und sang: Mein' Seel' den Herrn erhebet, Mein Geist sich Gottes freuet; Er ist mein Heiland, fürchtet ihn, Er will allzeit barmherzig sein.

Was bleiben immer wir daheim? Lasst uns auch auf's Gebirge geh'n, Da eins dem andern spreche zu Des Geistes Gruß das Herz auftu', Davon es freudig werd' und spring', Der Mund in wahrem Glauben sing': Mein' Seel'den Herrn erhebet, Mein Geist sich Gottes freuet…

[Translation from German] Maria walks across the mountains to her cousin Elizabeth. She greets the friend who joyfully moved

by the Spirit praises her, and calls her Mother of the Lord; Maria became full of joy and sang: My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God; He is my Savior to be feared, He shall always be merciful.

Why ever are we staying home? Let us, too, go to the mountains, where we encourage each other, and the Spirit’s greetings open the heart, to grow joyful and excited, and the mouth sings in true faith: My soul magnifies the Lord...

Frohlocket, ihr Völker auf Erden (Felix Mendelssohn) Frohlocket, ihr Völker auf Erden, und preiset Gott!

Der Heiland ist erschienen, denn der Herr verheißen.

Er hat seine Gerechtigkeit der Welt offenbaret. Halleluja!

[Translation from German] Rejoice, ye people on earth, and praise the Lord!

The Saviour has appeared, whom the Lord has promised.

He has manifested his justice to the world. Hallelujah!

O Heiland, reiss die Himmel auf (Johannes Brahms) O Heiland, reiß die Himmel auf, herab, herab vom Himmel lauf, reiß ab vom Himmel Tor und Tür, reiß ab, wo Schloss und Riegel für.

O Gott, ein’ Tau vom Himmel gieß, im Tau herab, o Heiland, fließ. Ihr Wolken, brecht und regnet aus den König über Jakobs Haus.

O Erd, schlag aus, schlag aus, o Erd, dass Berg und Tal grün alles werd.

O Erd, herfür dies Blümlein bring, o Heiland, aus der Erden spring.

Wo bleibst du, Trost der ganzen Welt, darauf sie all ihr Hoffnung stellt? O komm, ach komm vom höchsten Saal, komm, tröst uns hier im Jammertal.

O klare Sonn, du schöner Stern, dich wollten wir anschauen gern; o Sonn, geh auf, ohn deinen Schein in Finsternis wir alle sein.

Hier leiden wir die größte Not, vor Augen steht der ewig Tod. Ach komm, führ uns mit starker Hand vom Elend zu dem Vaterland.

Da wollen wir all danken dir, unserm Erlöser, für und für; da wollen wir all loben dich zu aller Zeit und ewiglich.

[Translation from German] O Saviour, tear open the heavens, flow down to us from heaven above; tear off heaven’s gate and door, tear off every lock and bar.

O God, a dew from heaven pour; in the dew, O Saviour, downward flow.

Break, you clouds, and rain down the king of Jacob’s house.

O earth, burst forth, burst forth, O earth, so that mountain and valley all become green; O earth, bring forth this little flower; O Saviour, spring forth out of the earth.

Here we suffer the greatest distress; before our eyes stands bitter death.

Ah, come lead us with your powerful hand from this misery to our Father’s land.

Therefore we all want to thank you, our Redeemer, for ever and ever.

Therefore we also want to praise you at all times, always, and forever. Amen.

Frohlocket ihr Gerechten (Josef Rheinberger) Frohlocket, ihr Gerechten, frohlocket dem Herrn, denn den Redlichen ziemt Lobgesang.

Preiset den Herrn, singet ihm ein neues Lied mit Harfenspiel und Psalter!

Denn des Herrn Wort ist aufrichtig, treu sind alle seine Werke.

Sein Mund sprach, und es ist geworden!

Er befahl, und es war geschaffen! Selig das Volk, das der Herr sich er wählt hat!

[Translation from German] Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Praise the Lord, sing him a new song with harp and psaltery! For the word of the Lord is upright, all his works are faithful. His mouth spoke, and it came to be!

He commanded, and it was created! Blessed is the people that the Lord has chosen for himself!

Layla Tal Milad (Palestinian Carol) [Translation from Arabic] On Christmas night, hatred vanishes On Christmas night, the earth blooms On Christmas night, war is buried On Christmas night, love is born.

When we offer a glass of water to a thirsty person, we are in Christmas When we clothe a naked person with a gown of love, we are in Christmas When we wipe the tears from weeping eyes, we are in Christmas When we cushion a hopeless heart with love, we are in Christmas On Christmas night…

When I kiss a friend without hypocrisy, I am in Christmas When the spirit of revenge dies in me, I am in Christmas When hardness is gone from my heart, I am in Christmas When my soul melts in the being of God, I am in Christmas.

On Christmas night…

A Yiddish Lullaby (Mordechai Gebirtig) [Translation from Yiddish] Sleep, oh sleep my Yankele, my baby, Be silent now and close your weary eyes.

The little child who is no more a baby Must now his mother sing him lullabies?

That little child who is no more a baby, Who very soon to school will wend his way, And learn to read the Torah and Talmud, Should he now cry while in his bed he lay?

The young boy who at school excels in learning Whose father’s heart is bursting now with pride, The boy who will grow up to learn the Talmud, Must he disturb his mother’s peaceful night?

The boy who has grown up to be a scholar, The boy who has a clever business head, The boy who very soon is to be married, Should he lie like a baby in his bed?

So sleep now little boy, my clever bridegroom, You lie there in your cradle next to mine.

Your mother will have many tears and troubles, Before you leave your baby days behind.

Hela Rotan (Indonesian Folk Song) Hela, hela rotan, hela, hela, ….hela Rotan-e!

Hela, hela rotan-e, rotan-e, tifa Jawa, Jawa ebabunyi Jawa ebaguna. Rotan, rotan sudah putus, sudah putus ujung dua, dua baku dapa-e. Rotan, rotan sudah putus, sudah putus ujung dua, dua baku dapa-e.

Hela, hela rotan, hela, hela, ….hela Rotan-e!

Manga, manga muda-e, manis-e. Manga, manga datang dari Nila. Nona, non muka manis, muka manus bikin sinyo, sinyo jadi gila-e. Nona, non muka manis, muka manus bikin sinyo, sinyo jadi gila-e.

[Notes] Hela Rotan (“Pull the Rattan”) is a popular Indonesian folksong from the island of Maluku (Moluccas). It tells about the traditional game of tug of war of the people of Maluku using rattan. In this game, even though we compete, the party that wins or loses will get a prize, namely: “togetherness”. Hela Rotan is a call to live in togetherness.

[Intermisson] I Saw Three Ships (Trad. English) I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas day, on Christmas day I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas day in the morning And what was in those ships, all three On Christmas day, on Christmas day?

And what was in those ships, all three On Christmas day in the morning?

Our Saviour, Christ, and His Lady On Christmas day, on Christmas day Our Saviour, Christ, and His Lady On Christmas day in the morning Pray whither sailed those ships all three On Christmas day, on Christmas day?

Pray whither sailed those ships all three On Christmas day in the morning?

O they sailed into Bethlehem On Christmas day, on Christmas day.

O they sailed into Bethlehem On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring On Christmas day, on Christmas day And all the bells on earth shall ring On Christmas day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice amain, On Christmas day, on Christmas day Then let us all rejoice amain, On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, rejoice!

Coventry Carol (Trad. English) Lullay, thou little tiny child, bye bye, lully, lullay.

Lullay, thou little tiny child, by bye, lully, lullay.

Bye bye, bye bye, Lully, lullay, Bye bye, Bye bye!

O sisters too, how may we do, For to preserve this day This poor youngling for whom we sing, "Bye bye, lully, bye bye lullay"?

Herod the king, in his raging, Chargèd he hath this day His men of might in his own sight, All young children to slay.

Then woe is me, poor child, for thee, And ever mourn and say, For thy parting neither say nor sing, "Bye bye, lully, lullay." Bye bye, bye bye, bye bye, bye bye.

Wexford Carol (Trad. Ireland) Good people all, this Christmas time, Consider well and bear in mind, What our good God for us has done In sending his beloved son With Mary holy we should pray To God with love this Christmas Day, In Bethlehem upon that morn

There was a blessed Messiah born Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep, To whom God's angels did appear, Which put the shepherds in great fear 'Prepare and go, ' the angels said 'To Bethlehem, be not afraid, For there you'll find, this happy morn A princely babe, sweet Jesus born’ With thankful heart and joyful mind The shepherds went, this babe to find, And as God's angel had foretold They did our saviour Christ behold Within a manger he was laid, And by his side the virgin maid Attending on the Lord of life, Who came on earth to end all strife Good people all, this Christmas time, Consider well and bear in mind, What our good God for us has done In sending his beloved Son With Mary holy we should pray To God with love this Christmas day, In Bethlehem upon that morn There was a blessed Messiah born Carol of the Russian Children/The Sleigh (Trad.

Russian/Ivor Tchervanow) Snowbound mountains, snowbound valleys.

Snowbound plateaus clad in white, Little Jesu, little mother, good Saint Joseph, come this night.

Lightly flying o’er the snow, with a “Hey Ha Ha!” and a “Ho Ha Ho!’ With sleighbells ringing, gaily singing, merrily we go! All the world a blanket white of snow so cold and crisp and light, with sharp winds blowing, we are going onward through the night! [Repeat] What Sweeter Music Can We Bring? (Robert Herrick) What sweeter music can we bring Than a carol for to sing The birth of this our Heavenly King?

Awake the voice, awake the string Dark and dull night, fly hence away And give the honor to this day That sees December turned to May

That sees December turned to May Why does the chilling winter's mourn Smile, like a field beset with corn?

Or smell like a meadow newly-shorn Thus, on the sudden? Come and see The 'cause, why things thus fragrant be It is He is born, whose quickening birth Gives life and luster, public mirth To Heaven, and the under-Earth We see him come, and know him ours Who with his sunshine and his showers Turns all the patient ground to flowers Turns all the patient ground to flowers The darling of the world is come And fit it is, we find a room To welcome him, to welcome him The nobler part of all the house here is the heart Which we will give him, and bequeath This holy and this ivy wreath To do him honour, who's our King And Lord of all this revelling What sweeter music can we bring Than a carol for to sing The birth of this our Heavenly King?

Of this our Heavenly King, our King Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (Trad. Polish) Infant holy, infant lowly, for His bed a cattle stall; oxen lowing, little knowing Christ, the babe, is Lord of all.

Swift are winging angels singing, noels ringing, tidings bringing: Christ the babe is Lord of all!

Christ the babe is Lord of all!

Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new saw the glory, heard the story,

tidings of the gospel true.

Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing, greet the morrow: Christ the babe was born for you; Christ the babe was born for you.

The Lamb (William Blake) Little Lamb who made thee Dost thou know who made thee Gave thee life & bid thee feed.

By the stream & o’er the mead; Gave thee clothing of delight, Softest clothing wooly bright; Gave thee such a tender voice, Making all the vales rejoice!

Little Lamb who made thee Dost thou know who made thee Little Lamb, I’ll tell thee, Little Lamb, I’ll tell thee!

He is called by the name, For he calls himself a Lamb; He is meek & he is mild, He became a little child; I a child & thou a lamb, We are called by his name.

Little Lamb God bless thee.

Little Lamb God bless thee.

Mary Had a Baby (Trad. Spiritual) Mary had a baby, O Lord, Mary had a baby, O my Lord.

Mary had a baby, O Lord, the people keep a-comin’ and the train done gone.

Laid him in a manger, O Lord, laid him in a manger, O my Lord, they laid him in a manger, O Lord, I’m singin’ glory, glory, singin’ glory, glory, singin’ slory, glory, hallelujah. The people keep a-comin’ and the train done gone.

Shepherds came to see Him, O Lord, Shepherds came to see Him, O my Lord, shepherds came to see him, O Lord, I’m singin’ glory, glory, singin’ glory, glory, singin’ slory, glory, hallelujah. The people keep a-comin’ and

the train done gone.

Mary had a baby, Mary had a baby..

Named him King Jesus, O Lord, named him King Jesus, O my Lord, named him King Jesus, O Lord, The people keep a-comin’ and the train done gone.

Deck the Halls

(Trad. English)

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la...

‘Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la…

Don we now our gay apparel, fa la la, fa la la Troll the ancient yuletide carol, fa la la la la…

See the blazing yule before us…

Strike the harp and join the chorus…

Follow me in merry measure….

While I tell of yuletide treasure…

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la….!

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