Celebrate Christmas: The Spirit of the Season Has You

The sound of music prevailed as APU's University Choir and Orchestra (UCO) graced Lave Avenue Church in Pasadena with the sweet melodies of Celebrate Christmas 2004. Directed by Rod Cathey, DMA, assistant professor of music, UCO gave Christmas tunes their own stamp of approval, with unique piece arrangements and powerful medleys. "It's totally an awesome blessing to see these young people with such a passion for music," said attendee Jonathan Berk '05. The two performances at Lake Avenue Church brought more than 3,500 people eager to experience the Christmas spirit. "God was glorified through Celebrate Christmas,” said Cathey. "It helped us start the season with the right spirit of Christmas." The concert consisted of arrangements by contemporary Christian artists such as Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant. Classic Christmas carols such as “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night” met the smoothness of cellos and violins, the sweetness of refined singing voices, and the pulse drums, bass, and guitar. Celebrate Christmas 2004 featured guest appearances from three guitar performance majors and the APU Jazz Ensemble, directed by David Beatty, assistant professor of music. Over the years, Celebrate Christmas has become a tradition many look forward to. "People fly out to see Celebrate Christmas," said Aaron Fisher '06, chaplain of UCO. "People who wouldn't normally be found in a church come to this concert." The 120 members of UCO began performances shortly after the semester began. They will continue through the spring and summer, performing, 30-40 concerts. For more information on upcoming UCO concerts or other music performance groups, contact the Scool of Music at (626) 815-6000, Ext. 3848 or visit www.apu.edu/music/concerts/.