Christmas choir program returns after year break

After a year hiatus, music students are ready to perform again at their annual Christmas concert.

Rightfully named “Christmas with Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s,” the concert aims to engage performers and audience members alike through various Christmas and Advent music, including “The Glory of the Father,” “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World” and others. This year, the program will include poetry and responsive readings in place of audience carols to adhere to COVID protocols.

Following the spring 2021 retirement of long-time music department icon Axel Theimer, Bradley Miller has taken over as the artistic director for the event. Miller has been getting used to the culture on campus as he settles into this new role.

“Everyone has been so welcoming and willing to try new things. I really enjoy working with the students here,” Miller said.

Though 2020 was hit with the most restrictive COVID protocols—and the omission of last year’s holiday concert—Miller remarks that they are still not back to normal. However, even with the current limitations in place, Miller feels they are able to create a beautiful and meaningful experience for the performers and audience.

For this holiday concert specifically, Miller’s favorite part is its “collaborative nature.” As a combination of CSB/SJU Brass Choir, CSB Women’s Choir, CSB/SJU Chamber Choir, SJU Men’s Chorus and the St. John’s Boys’ Choir, this concert heavily relies on coordination. The program must simultaneously flourish under the direction of each ensemble’s individual director, while sharing the responsibility of the large massed ensemble.

While typically held in the Great Hall—where about 300 seats is capacity—the performance this year is expecting a larger audience. The program will take place in the Abbey Church over Friday and Saturday, and Saturday night is already sold out. Concerts in the past have been around two hours, whereas this one will be just over an hour.

Senior Emma Archbold looks forward to this being her last concert ever.

“The week leading up to the concert is absolutely insane,” she said. “We’re practicing twice a day and our night rehearsals go until 9:30 or 10 p.m.”

With these long rehearsals, passion and commitment is essential for those involved. They are also getting used to the transition of a new director.

“[Miller]’s been awesome about getting student feedback and trying to improve as an ensemble,” Archbold said.

The program is a way to create a narrative that tells the story of Christ’s birth, as well as showcase the work of the CSB/SJU’s choirs and brass ensemble.

“Christmas and Advent is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together,” Miller said.