Bethel hosts its 64th annual Christmas concert

The 64th annual Bethel College Christmas Concert warmed hearts with cheer and merriment as the musicians and vocalists brought in the holiday season with song. All three of the Christmas concerts were very well attended. It was also the first Christmas concert to feature the Percussion Ensemble led by conductor Reginald Klopfenstein. The concert included classics such as "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" and " We Wish You a Merry Christmas" performed by the Percussion Ensemble. Both the choir and orchestra led the concertgoers in "Angels We Have Heard on High". In addition to these holiday staples, the concert featured a few obscure Christmas tunes. Voices of Triumph performed "The Birthday of a King"and the Concert Choir sang "African Lullaby." Sophomore choir member Deidre Bridges said she really loves both the upbeat and the slow songs they performed. “I really liked the songs that were more upbeat because we were able to express joy through movement,” said Bridges. “I also liked the softer songs because they can be more meaningful and often communicate our message to people.” Bridges said the reason they perform the Christmas Concert each year is to communicate what the season is really about—a time to celebrate the birth of Christ. Trumpeter Joshua Klopfenstein said the concert went well from a musical standpoint.

“The audiences really seemed to enjoy the music,” said Klopfenstein. “There was a good variety in the type of music and the various performing ensembles.”