The Rogers State University Music Program will present its annual winter concert on Monday, Nov. 24, featuring the Jazz Ensemble and the University Choir.
The concert, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Will Rogers Auditorium on the RSU campus in Claremore.
Canned food donations to benefit the RSU “Food for Thought” food pantry will be accepted for admission.
The Jazz Ensemble will be performing holiday-themed works, including “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” which was written by Kim Gannon but made popular by Bing Crosby during World War II, and “Silent Night” that was first performed at the St. Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, Austria.
Other works performed will include “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” “Away in a Manger” and ” Christmas, The Joy & Spirit,” a medley of holiday tunes arranged in a mix of jazz styles.
The Jazz Ensemble will close its performance with a unique arrangement of Jingle Bells titled “Swingin’ and Jinglin’.”
The RSU University Choir is scheduled to perform traditional pieces, including “Carol of the Bells,” “Coventry Carol,” “Emmanuel,” “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” as well as “Silent Night” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
RSU Director of Bands Dr. Kirk Weller notes that this year’s Winter Concert is a rare time when both the Choir and the Jazz Ensemble are presenting two of the same compositions, arranged for each ensemble.
Members of the Jazz Ensemble, listed by hometown, are:
- Bartlesville: Jerry Hogue
- Chelsea: Amber Robinson
- Claremore: Roderick Crisp, Derek Hansen, Erin Heraghty, Katlin Prather
- Collinsville: Sara Landers, Preston Shatwell
- Inola: Chris Mann
- Oologah: Ty Brooks
- Pryor: Kenzie Branstetter
- Sperry: Anna Goff
- Strang: Travis Link
- Terlton: Jacob Cummins
- Verdigris: Sarah Groover
Members of the University Choir are:
- Claremore: Roderick Crisp, Brittney DeCoux, Shelby Mancell.
- Collinsville: Sara Landers
- Skiatook: Justin Farr
The University Choir is under the direction of first-year director Mrs. Ginger Meyer.
For more information, contact Dr. Weller at 918-343-7723 or [email protected].