WCU Wells School Of Music Makes A Way For Holiday Tradition

WEST CHESTER, PA — The West Chester University Wells School of Music will continue an annual tradition, but breaking with tradition for a virtual performance this year.

The 99th Annual Holiday Program will be accessible to the community and audiences worldwide on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 3 p.m. The performance is offered free, the university said on Monday.

A time-honored tradition for now 99 years, the Holiday Program features choral, orchestral and jazz ensembles from the Wells School of Music in a concert of holiday favorites and selections inspired by the season. This year's pandemic has pressed the university and its school of music to create ways to carry on what they do safely.

Ryan Kelly, an associate professor at the Wells School of Music and the associate director of choral activities, directs the program, alongside multiple conductors.

"I and all of my colleagues and students are thrilled that we can continue this 99-year tradition. Albeit it a little differently this year, we hope that this concert can be a bright spot in this tumultuous year. Audiences are hungry for artistic experiences, especially holiday performances that have long-held a place in people’s hearts and on their annual calendars," Kelly said.

The Holiday Program at West Chester is just one of over 300 programs presented annually by the Wells School of Music. This year, all are being presented virtually.

The Wells School of Music has been an innovator during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding ways to continue hybrid classes, lessons, and performances using plexiglass, specialty masks and social distancing techniques. Strict safety guidelines were followed when filming participating ensemble performances.

"We filmed choral performances in campus parking garages, with ensemble members distanced and wearing masks. The sound bouncing off the concrete walls was amazing, so we found an acoustic benefit in using this non-traditional space," Kelly said.

The West Chester University Symphony Orchestra is also a participant in this year's production, but what audiences will see is highlights from previous year's concerts because the 70-member ensemble — one of the school’s largest — is unable to perform together safely right now.

The Criterions Jazz Ensemble, always a crowd favorite with their jazzy holiday renditions, recorded "Let it Snow," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and "Sleigh Ride," in the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall.

Visit www.livestream.com/wcupa to view the event.

West Chester University’s Wells School of Music offers students opportunities for concentrated performance and musicianship through the Applied Music Department. The School's performance and practice venues include 22 new Steinways, Skinner organ, tech lab, Roland piano lab, and more. Students study with faculty who have dual careers as dedicated educators and professional musicians. Faculty provide private lessons for all music students and are the directors for numerous student ensembles.