Ewan Benjamin Performs in Bridgewater College's Annual Holiday Extravaganza Concerts

2022 Dec 6

Bridgewater College's music ensembles performed a number of familiar seasonal songs during two Holiday Extravaganza events in the Concert Hall of the Carter Center for Worship and Music on the College's campus.

Among the performers were Ewan Benjamin, class of 2025 and a History and Political Science major from Boones Mill, Va.. Benjamin performed with the Jazz Ensemble (trombone).

One of the most popular musical performances of the year, BC's 10th Annual Holiday Extravaganza was split into two concerts to accommodate the large audience. Both performances featured the Chorale, Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, the Handbells and audience sing-alongs. The first holiday concert took place on Friday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m., and the second concert at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Under the direction of Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Ryan Keebaugh, the Chorale performed "Gaudete," arranged by Brian Kay, "O Radiant Dawn" by James MacMillan and "Carol of the Bells" by M. Leontovich. Meridiane performed "The Lamb" by John Tavener and "Einzug" by Benjamin Britten.

The Symphonic Band, under the direction of Associate Professor of Music Dr. Christine Carrillo, performed "Sleigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson and "Minor Alterations: Christmas Through the Looking Glass" by David Lovrien. Among the pieces the Jazz Ensemble performed are "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by Johnny Marks and arranged by Chris Sharp, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" arranged by Paul Murtha and "Whoa Christmas Tree! (How Funky Are Thy Branches)," arranged by Mike Collins-Dowden.

On Friday, additional ensembles included the flute choir, mixed brass trio and Meridiane choir. Saturday's performance also included the chamber strings, trumpet ensemble and guitar ensemble.

The concert both days concluded with the Concert Choir and Symphonic Band performing together "Christmas in Concert," composed by Professor of Music Dr. Larry Taylor.