Northwestern Fine Arts Department to present 'Holiday Gala' concert Dec. 9

The traditional Northwestern Oklahoma State University Holiday Gala Concert presented by the Fine Arts Department is set for Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. in Herod Hall Auditorium followed by the annual tree lighting ceremony. The event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president, will continue the annual lighting of the university Christmas tree outside on the Herod Hall lawn at the Bell Tower immediately following the concert.

Groups performing holiday-themed music include the Concert Choir and Symphony Band performing songs such as “Ukranian Bell Carol” and “Pie Jesu” featuring music instructor Lawana Newell, along with “Sleigh Ride” and more. The Jazz Ensemble will perform “We Three Kings,”“Silent Night,”“Whoa Christmas Tree!” and more. University Chorale will perform “Lo, How A Rose,” featuring Dr. Marc Decker on alto saxophone, and “Hallelujah;” and the University Singers will perform “3 Latvian Carols” and more.

Band and choir groups will perform separately and then together at the end for a sing-along with the audience. Katelyn Cutsinger, junior vocal music major from Vici and member of the various music groups in the Fine Arts Department, encourages the public to attend. “It’s always nice to see the audience full and hear everyone singing along to our favorite Christmas songs,” she said.

“Come out and have a great time along with us.”For more information about the Holiday Gala or the Northwestern music program contact Karsten Longhurst at 580- 327- 8692 or krlonghurst@nwosu.edu or Decker at 580-327-8189 or mddecker@nwosu.edu.