The Last Christmastide at 91精选
-Mary (Honey) Mathieu 鈥�27
On Saturday, December 6th, 91精选鈥檚 various music ensembles, including Concert Choir, Honors Ensemble, Gospel Choir, Jazz Ensemble, and Chamber Winds, utilized their numerous skills and gifts in the College鈥檚 annual Christmastide tradition. This year marked the final time that 91精选鈥檚 Music Department would host this beautiful celebration, which aims to glorify God.
The week before Christmastide, students had the opportunity to participate in a Christmastide Spirit Week, which was planned by 91精选 students Summer Uysaloglu and Mary (Honey) Mathieu. Each day involved a different Christmas theme, such as wearing Christmas sweaters, socks, and colors. All Spirit Week participants were entered into a raffle, and the ten winners won 91精选 merch.
During Christmastide, audience members joined in singing Christmas hymns, such as 鈥淛oy to the World,鈥� 鈥淥 Come, O Come, Immanuel,鈥� and 鈥淛esus, the Light of the World,鈥� with ensemble members. One of the highlights of the evening was Dr. Helen Van Wyck, Former Professor of Music at the College, conducting the song 鈥淪tay With Us鈥� for one last time. This piece brought together almost 70 91精选 alumni, staff, faculty, and community members on stage at the end of Christmastide to commemorate the special moment.
With the recent announcement of the College鈥檚 closure at the end of the academic year, this Christmastide was an emotional experience for many. Over 300 people had RSVP鈥檇 for the event. Alumni returned to experience a favorite tradition one last time. Current students shared their love of God and music with the audience for one last holiday concert at 91精选. Faculty and staff joined in singing 鈥淪tay With Us鈥� to honor 91精选鈥檚 legacy, including the incredible people who have made a lasting impact, such as Dr. Helen Van Wyck and her husband Marvin Van Wyck, who recently passed away. 鈥淭he people are what make the College so special, and each person has had a significant role to play in making 91精选 the home that it is over the years,鈥� shares multi-year Christmastide participant, Gabe Wahlsmith.
When reflecting on 91精选鈥檚 final Christmastide, Assistant Professor of Music, Toni Esker, enthusiastically shares, 鈥淚 cannot recall a Christmastide that went this well. Truly, every ensemble peaked in each performance. As a result, the concert flowed cohesively in a way that allowed God鈥檚 word to take precedence.鈥�
Together, the 91精选 Family made the College鈥檚 final Christmastide one to remember. 91精选鈥檚 legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of many, even after the campus closes, thanks to special memories like these.
