Bri Gardener — Staff Writer

For students needing reprieve from those pre-final jitters, the music department’s many upcoming events provide solace. Between Dec. 9-16, Dordt’s many musicians will be busy showcasing their talents in the BJ Haan. These include a choral concert on Dec. 9 and an instrumental ensemble concert on the 10th.

The choral concert will begin at 7:30 p.m., featuring Dordt’s many choirs including the Canons of Dordt and Bella Voce. They will sing Christmas or Advent selections chosen by their choir directors.

Bella Voce will sing three pieces chosen by the Bella Voce Director, Carrie Groenewold. Groenewold said she strives to compile a variety of music in her concerts, both in difficulty and in style. This challenge is reflected in her music choices. The choir will sing “The Holly and The Ivy,” a traditional English carol, a version of “The Magnificat,” or “Canticle of Mary,” and “Winter Wonderland,” a lighthearted, more well-known song.

“This is our chance to dig into Christmas repertoire, which is really fun,” Groenewold said.

In light of that Christmas spirit, the choral concert will incorporate several lighthearted touches, such as the crowd singing along with the choir during “Silent Night,” and sleighbells accompanying Bella Voce as they sing “Winter Wonderland.” Isabel Boer will also be featured on the oboe during “The Magnificat.”

The instrumental ensemble concert on the Dec.10 will also begin at 7:30 p.m. and will contain a small nod toward the Christmas season. This concert will include the wind symphony, orchestra, and band. The concert is not labeled as a Christmas concert but is instead referred to as the “December concert.”

Tori Ensink, a freshman percussion student, is looking forward to the piece called “Rhapsody,” which was written by a recent Dordt graduate. It is a medley of two Christmas hymns.

Another way the concert will appeal to the audience is through a combination of choir and ensemble when the Canons of Dordt will join the concert for a song.

Students are eager to perform. Some ensembles, such as the percussion ensemble have been practicing for this concert since the beginning of the semester. However, jitters still abound, and it is crunch time for the students as they work to perfect their pieces before showtime.

“A lot of us come into it going, ‘Oh no, it’s this week,’” Ensink said. “But then once we get to it, we feel better about it.”

Dordt students are encouraged to come and listen to their peers as the music department at Dordt showcases their skills and Christmas spirit.

Contributed photo