Solst ice 2023 UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION WINTER FESTIVAL Brush Performance Hall, Giese Center for the Performing Arts
Thursday, December 7, 11:15 a.m. | Friday, December 8, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, December 9, 7:30 p.m.
Prelude: I Wonder As I Wander
John Jacob Niles, arr. Celeste Avery
Solstice Carol A fire is burning, the long night draws near. All who need comfort are welcome by here. We’ll dance ‘neath the stars and toast the past year For the spirit of solstice is still living here.
The poor and the hungry, the sick and the lost; These are our children, no matter the cost. Come by the fire the Harvest to share For the spirit of solstice is still living here.
We’ll count all our blessings while the Mother lays down With snow as her blanket covering the ground. Thanks to the Mother for the life that she brings. She’ll waken to warm us again in the spring.
A fire is burning, the long night draws near. All who need comfort are welcome by here. We’ll dance ‘neath the stars and toast the past year For the spirit of solstice is still living here. The spirit of solstice is still living here.
Kim Baryluk
Reading: Winter Solstice, by Lynn Ungar This is the longest night. It never seemed quite this long before. We always knew there were cycles and seasons, dormancy and growing, shifting light. We didn’t know that honoring the quiet time the seed spends in the earth would also mean honoring so many who have gone to earth for good. Silence is suited to mourning. For this night let the clamor and the sirens cease. For this night honor all that is underground and quiet: not just the dead, but the turtles dug deep in the mud and the white filaments of fungus that send silent messages tree to tree. Who can imagine what they might be dreaming? The earthworms are silent, but not still. They are busy tilling the earth for what is to come. The whole subterranean world knows what you have forgotten: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Ritual
Jake Runestad
Stars Alone in the night On a dark hill With pines around me Spicy and still, And a heaven full of stars Over my head, White and topaz And misty red; Myriads with beating Hearts of fire That aeons Cannot vex or tire; Up the dome of heaven Like a great hill,
Sara Teasdale and Eriks Esenvalds I watch them marching Stately and still, And I know that I Am honored to be Witness Of so much majesty.
Reading: Winter Solstice, by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater Tonight you will find me snug in colorful wool staring into a solstice sky so speckled with cold night stars. You will see me raise my mittened hands as if to hug the hidden sun. And you will hear me softly whisperWelcome back. Each new day now brings more light. I feel this truth inside my warming bones. Ice
Bruce Sled
Orion Most mourn the falling leaves, The weight of death the ground receives. Yet you rise in Winter’s Chill, And in the gloom you still believe. Most mourn the setting sun. The aging day is overcome. Yet you rise in Twilight Still, And night reveals you one by one.
Faith Zimmer and Susan LaBarr Carefully the constellations Bend their knee to your dictation. Standing guard with quiver ready, Stance you’ve held for cent’ries steady. Warrior high above the earth, Telling humans beings of their worth. Most mourn the sinking mast, The ocean’s pull into the vast. Yet you rise at Memory’s Will, And you will stand on ages past.
Coventry Carol O Come, Emmanuel O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. O come thou Dayspring come and cheer Our spirits by Thine Advent here, And drive away the shades of night, And pierce the clouds and bring us light!
English Melody, arr. Joel K. Boyd Latin, trans. John M. Neal (v. 1-2), Henry Coffin (v. 3) setting, Elaine Hagenberg Rejoice! Rejoice Emmanuel, Shall come to Thee O Israel. O come, Desire of nations, bind All people in one heart and mind; Bid envy strife and quarrels cease, And fill the world with Heaven’s peace. O rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel. Shall come to Thee, O Israel.
O Magnum Mysterium
Tomas Luis de Victoria Translation by Amy Clare Giffin
O wondrous Nativity! The Word of God in flesh thus made lowly, That simple folk may see His veiling in humanity, His cradling in humility. O ye happy holy, Kings or shepherds chosen worthy, The Blessed One to see, Jesus, our Lord. Alleluia! See Amid the Winter’s Snow
John Goss, arr. Dan Forrest
See, amid the winter’s snow, Born for us on earth below, See the tender Lamb appears, Promised from eternal years.
Hail thou ever blessed morn, Hail, redemption’s happy dawn, Sing throughout Jerusalem, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
Hail thou ever blessed morn, Hail redemption’s happy dawn, Sing through all Jerusalem: “Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
Sacred infant, all divine, What a tender love was Thine, Thus to come from highest bliss, Down to such a world as this.
Lo, within a manger lies He who built the lofty skies, He, who throned in light sublime, Sits amid the cherubim.
Hail thou ever blessed morn, Hail, redemption’s happy dawn, Sing throughout Jerusalem, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
Reading: The Shortest Day, by Susan Cooper So the shortest day came, and the year died, And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world Came people singing, dancing, To drive the dark away. They lighted candles in the winter trees; They hung their homes with evergreen; They burned beseeching fires all night long To keep the year alive, And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake They shouted, reveling. Through all the frosty ages you can hear them Echoing behind us—Listen!! All the long echoes sing the same delight, This shortest day, As promise wakens in the sleeping land: They carol, feast, give thanks, And dearly love their friends, And hope for peace. And so do we, here, now, This year and every year. Welcome Yule! Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Robert Frost and Ruth Artman
Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow.
He gives his harness bells a shake, To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound’s the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake.
My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farm house near, Between the woods and frozen lake, The darkest evening of the year.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep.
Gaudete! Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born Of the Virgin Mary, rejoice! It is now the time of grace That we have desired; Let us devoutly return Songs of rejoicing. God has become man, And nature marvels; The world has been renewed By Christ who is King. The closed gate of Ezechiel Has been passed through; Salvation is found there, Whence the light rises. Therefore let our song Now resound in purification Let it give praise to the Lord: Salvation to our King.
Piae Cantiones, 1582, arr. Michael Engelhardt
Children, Go Where I Send Thee Children go where I send thee! How shall I send thee? I gonna send thee one by one. One for the little bitty baby Wrapped in a swaddlin’ clothin’ Layed down in a manger that’s BORN! BORN! BORN! Born in Bethlehem. Children go where I send thee! How shall I send thee! I gonna send thee two by two, Two for Paul and Silas, one for the little bitty baby, Wrapped in a swaddlin’ clothin’ Layed down in a manger that’s BORN! BORN! BORN! Born in Bethlehem.
Traditional African American Spiritual arr. By Kevin Phillip Johnson Children go where I send thee! How shall I send thee? I gonna send thee ten by ten, Ten for the ten commandments. Nine for the nine that dressed so fine, Eight for the eight that stood at the gate, Seven for the seven that went up to heaven, Six for the six that never got fixed, Five for the gospel preachers, Four for the four that stood at the door, Three for the Hebrew chillen’ Two for Paul and Silas, One for the little bitty baby, Wrapped in a swaddlin’ clothin’, Layed down in a manger, that’s BORN! BORN! BORN! Born in Bethlehem.
Wexford Carol
Traditional Irish Carol, arr. Daniel Kelley
Let There Be Light And God said: “Let there be light out of the darkness shining. Let there be light” and the light was good. Sun, moon and stars out of the darkness shining. And the light was good. Shine, shine, shine, Out of the darkness, Shine, shine, shine, Forever and ever. Shine, shine, shine, shine, shine. Forevermore.
Craig Courtney There came a star out of Jacob rising. There rose a sceptor out of Israel. There came a star out of Jacob rising. And the star was Jesus, Emmanuel! And the morning stars, they sang together. And the angels shouted, they shouted for joy. And the morning stars sang, oh yes, they sang together And the song was good. “Let there be light out of the darkness shining.” And the light was good.
On This Silent Night
Steve Parsons
Silver snowflakes, tossed and turning Catch the gleam of candles burning. Stars glow through the snow On this silent night.
In the darkness light is breaking, With the distant morning waking. Hope reigns, peace remains, On this silent night.
Vesper bells are softly tolling, Calling out with gentle rolling “Shine bright, love’s pure light” On this silent night.
In the starlight, calm and gentle, Bringing stillness transcendental Dream on ‘til the dawn On this silent night.
Quiet carols, low and tranquil fill the air, Tender songs our grateful hearts employ. Children sleep in wondrous rapture For the blessed day to come. The dream of gifts and times of joy.
Artistic Director * Beth Polen Visiting Director of Choral Activities Choral Collaborative Artist * Amy Haines Guest Collaborative Artists † Lily Schrantz Sally Renee Tausch, Soprano Brooklyn Schlabach, Alto Gracie Weaver, Alto * Jeff Neitzke, percussion Branden Burnell, percussion Isaiah Carpenter, percussion Troy Wise, percussion Schuyler Hollenbach, alto Danielle Lebo, soprano Sadie Thomas, alto Aaliyah Parker-Kinnard Matthew Eversdyke, trumpet Josiah Haas, trumpet Sam Darrin, trombone Joshua Clay, trombone
Special Guest Collaborative Artist † Jéan P The MC Orators Matthew Korver Madelyn Gordon Tori DeMeyer
*UMU faculty/staff †Guest Artist
Beth Polen, artistic director, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as the Visiting Director of Choral Activities at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio where she conducts the Concert Choir, Cantus, Kantorei and Men’s Chorus, and teaches choral conducting and literature. Beth received her Bachelor of Music Education degree at the University of Mount Union (then Mount Union College), and holds a Master of Music degree from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University, with an emphasis on voice and music education. A 31-year veteran of Ohio’s public schools, Beth previously taught in Carrollton, Clyde, Berea, Aurora, and most recently, for the Perry Local Schools. Her ensembles’ accomplishments include years of Superior ratings at District and State Adjudicated events, performances with professional ensembles including the Canton Symphony Orchestra, invitations to perform at venues throughout Ohio and beyond, and participation in workshops with world-class ensembles, including Chanticleer. Beyond her role at the university, Beth maintains an active presence in the community as a performer, director, adjudicator, and clinician, serving as Director of Music Ministry at Crossroads United Methodist Church, playing and singing with a variety of local ensembles, and directing children’s shows for A Children’s Theater (ACT) of Hudson.
Amy Haines, collaborative pianist, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education (with emphases in piano and flute) from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of Akron. An accomplished music educator of thirty-five years, Mrs. Haines has led successful choral music programs at both the elementary and high school levels. Beyond this, she has served as a collaborative pianist for the Canton Ballet Company and the Jackson High School Choral Program. In 2018, Mrs. Haines was named the Minerva Local Schools Teacher of the Year.
Jéan P The MC, special guest collaborative artist As a young man growing up in a religious household in Canton, Ohio, Jéan P, an aspiring emcee, snuck and listened to classic Hip-Hop against his parents wishes. His parents encouraged him to pursue his dreams but were adamant that he stay true to his upbringing. Losing his mother to cancer and his father to homicide at a young age inspired a strong interest in not only music but literature. His personal tragedies and academic success in high school led Jéan’s path to a Creative Writing degree at Ohio University. Once he settled in Athens, Ohio, he began to record a slew of mixtapes and perform locally, even sharing the stage with major artists such as KRS-One, Curren$y, Stalley, Dom Kennedy & Ace Hood . The 33 year old MC was also featured on MTV’s “Get In The Game” with Sway, Juelz Santana & Trinidad James. It wasn’t long before Jéan P The MC became a familiar name in Ohio’s rap scene. Jéan returned to Canton in 2011. Months later, alongside Virginia producer LAKIM, he signed with acclaimed producer and Ohio native J Rawls’ Polar Entertainment. The duo released their single “Shining Bright” but mutually agreed to be free of label ties and remain solo artists. In 2022 he released his most celebrated project to date, “the way eye see it”, showcasing his smooth yet aggressive flow combined with carefully selected, hypnotizing beats. Featuring production from Mydus, wakko, trumaine jordan & more, Jéan P The MC shares a body of music that reflects his environment, touching on topics such as fatherhood, childhood experiences, spirituality, relationships, and his outlook on Hip-Hop, locally and nationally. To learn more about Jéan P The MC, scan the QR code
Concert Choir Soprano Grace Clark Primary Education and Intervention Junior Jackson HS Tori DeMeyer Theatre and Psychology First Year West Union HS Madelyn Gordon Nursing First Year Canfield HS Makaden Hupp Music Education (Vocal) First Year Louisville HS Sam Jordan Psychology First Year Perry HS Danielle Lebo Music Education (Vocal) Senior East Canton HS Mattie Muckleroy Criminal Justice and Sociology Junior Hoover HS Ava Powers Ntl. Security/For. Intel. Analysis and Neuroscience First Year Marietta HS Allison Rudman Marketing Junior Stow-Munroe Falls HS Sally Renee Tausch Music and Theatre Junior Heartland Christian School Taylor White Music Education (Vocal) Senior Green HS Jillian Zamarelli Primary Education and Intervention Sophomore West Branch HS
Alto Andrea Dager Music and Middle Childhood Education Sophomore Marlington HS Katelyn Fraley Music Education (Instrumental) Junior GlenOak HS Victoria Hahn Nursing Junior Seneca Valley HS (PA) Schuyler Hollenbach Music and Theatre Junior Loudonville HS Aaliyah Parker-Kinnard Psychology Senior Hoover HS Brooklyn Schlabach Music Education (Vocal) Sophomore Waynedale HS Sofia Thornhill Biology (Pre-PA) First Year Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin Eden Walker Music Performance and Composition Junior Home School Zhaniyah Wood Music and Theatre First Year Alliance HS
Tenor Ethan Baker Theatre and Primary Education First Year Lakeview HS Andy Bennett Music Education (Vocal) Sophomore Hoover HS Samuel Darrin Music Education (Vocal) Senior Howland HS Brendan Glauthier Finance First Year Northwest HS Gavin Greathouse Nursing First Year Lake HS Colten Grove Music Education (Vocal) First Year Bellbrook HS Josiah Haas Music Education (Vocal) Sophomore Salem HS Hayden Leavitt Business First Year Parkersburg HS (WV) Caden Nicholson Theatre First Year Alliance HS
Bass/Baritone Joshua Clay Music Composition, Computer Science, and MPSD Junior GlenOak HS Caleb Dawson Marketing and Management Senior Seneca Valley HS (PA) Matthew Eversdyke Music Education (Vocal) Junior Alliance HS Tucker Gayhart Music and Theatre Sophomore Jackson HS Cameron Hough Neuroscience Senior Medina HS Matthew Korver Music, Theatre, and Psychology Junior Geneva HS Joshua Morris Music Education (Instrumental) Senior Jackson HS Seth Tackett Theatre Junior Rittman HS
Cantus Soprano Vienne Anderson Theatre and English First Year Copley HS Katrina Asano Music Education (Instrumental) First Year Alliance HS Madi Bidinger Exercise Science Junior Wadsworth HS Camila Caballero Accounting and Finance Junior Giordano Bruno (Peru) Olivia Collins Finance First Year McKinley HS Tori DeMeyer Theatre and Psychology First Year West Union HS Kaitlyn Ekiert Criminal Justice and Psychology First Year Canfield HS Madelyn Gordon Nursing First Year Canfield HS Gabrielle Hill Neuroscience First Year Alliance HS Makaden Hupp Music Education (Vocal) First Year Louisville HS Sam Jordan Psychology First Year Perry HS Danielle Lebo Music Education (Vocal) Senior East Canton HS Grace Maslyk Biochemistry First Year Wadsworth HS Mattie Muckleroy Criminal Justice and Sociology Junior Hoover HS Delta Nichols Early Childhood Education Sophomore Rootstown HS Ava Powers Ntl. Security/For. Intel. Analysis and Neuroscience First Year Marietta HS Bryanna Rutan Music Education (Instrumental) First Year Elmira HS (NY) Brooklyn Schlabach Music Education (Vocal) Sophomore Waynedale HS Darian Sharp Mathematics First Year Salem HS Erin Smith Psychology Senior Dover HS Sally Renee Tausch Music and Theatre Junior Heartland Christian School Taylor White Music Education (Vocal) Senior Green HS
Alto Amanda Bentley Music Education (Instrumental) Senior Carrollton HS Andrea Dager Music and Middle Childhood Education Sophomore Marlington HS Katelyn Fraley Music Education (Instrumental) Junior GlenOak HS Kate Kueter Ntl. Security and Foreign Intel. Analysis and French Junior City High (IA) Liberty Kinnunen Music Education (Instrumental) Sophomore Geneva HS Meyaunni McKay Biochemistry (Pre-Med) and Spanish First Year Lake Center Christian Emma Packard Psychology First Year Ashland HS Aaliyah Parker-Kinnard Psychology Senior Hoover HS Lukea Pitinii Biochemistry (Pre-Med) Sophomore Howland HS Karin Sutterlin Human Development and Criminal Justice First Year Bellbrook HS Sadie Thomas Primary Education First Year Maplewood Jr/Sr HS (PA) Sofia Thornhill Biology (Pre-PA) First Year Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin Gracie Weaver Spanish Education First Year Alliance HS Zhaniyah Wood Music and Theatre First Year Alliance HS
BE
INVOLVED.
The University of Mount Union’s choral music program is open to all students, regardless of major. We take great pride in the fact that our vocal/choral ensembles are comprised of musicians from virtually every academic discipline on campus. Beyond this, Mount Union offers generous scholarships for music majors and non-music majors alike; one does not need to major in music to receive one of our many choral participation scholarships. For more information on scholarship auditions, visit mountunion.edu/music-scholarship
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