20 Years of Glorious Sounds of the Season

Mark your calendar! Millersville University's annual holiday concert, Glorious Sounds of the Season, returns Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m., in the Clair Performance Hall at the Winter Visual and Performing Arts Center This tradition features festive music and supports student scholarships.

More than 30 musical acts, showcasing over 300 students and faculty, including vocalists, instrumentalists and ensembles from the Tell School of Music.

Dr. Jeffrey Gemmell, associate professor and coordinator of choral studies, is the founding producer of Glorious Sounds of the Season.

"Our students perform so beautifully, with such heart, energy, enthusiasm and feeling, that one can't help but catch the holiday spirit," said Gemmell. "The vast variety of holiday repertoires and performers is quite distinctive - how often do you hear an entire School of Music perform in one concert? - and there's truly never a dull moment!"

The musical event includes audience participation with sing-alongs that have become a beloved tradition. Gemmell mentions that Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" from Messiah is a fan favorite, bringing hundreds of returning audience members to engage with holiday celebrations and witness the brilliance of student performances.

"This year will be bigger and better than ever," said Gemmell. "We try to add new decorations and technology to the production annually, which this year includes a brand-new video screen on the stage behind the choir. This device will add a visual element to music that everyone will enjoy! In addition, student enrollment in the ensembles is on the rise, with group totals nearing or surpassing numbers before the COVID-19 pandemic."

Tickets for Glorious Sounds of the Season are available at the Millersville University Ticket Office and cost $30 for general admission and $5 for Millersville students with an ID.

Advance ticket reservations are strongly encouraged.

All proceeds from the concert benefit student scholarships and program development at the Tell School of Music.

"Scholarships derived from Glorious Sounds of the Season benefit students in many ways. To recruit the strongest students to the Tell School of Music, certain sizable scholarships are awarded to talented students," said Gemmell. "At least 20 smaller scholarships are awarded every year to students who maintain a high-grade point average, participate fully and provide leadership for Tell School. Students receive these financial gifts to use in whatever way benefits their education the best, including living expenses, textbook costs and more. Funds are set aside for use by the Tell School for recruitment and programming ventures to build the strongest program possible."

On Dec. 6 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Millersville alumni will host a Holiday Maker's Market. Visit the market before Glorious Sounds of the Season in Stayer Hall for a holiday shopping experience filled with unique, handcrafted goods from local artisans, students and community vendors.

For more information on Glorious Sounds of the Season, visit https://www.millersville.edu/music/gss/.