The Newman University Music Department presented its annual Christmas concert to a sold out Performance Hall on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, kicking off the season with traditional carols, contemporary songs and holiday cheer.
During Director of Music Deanne Zogleman’s second year at Newman University, she began the tradition of inviting high school groups to perform with the Newman Chorale. Not only is the opportunity a recruiting effort, but it also boosts attendance.
“Now we sell out almost every year,” she said.
This year, the Clearwater High School Blue Notes and the Cheney High School Advanced Choir joined the Newman University Music Department for the concert. The concert also featured the Newman Instrumental Band.
“Christmas is my favorite time of year, and our tradition of ending the concert with “O Holy Night” is always such a beautiful moment,” Zogleman said. “Sunday, we had 120 voices singing onstage so it was pretty incredible.”
A special moment for Zogleman was conducting her daughter, who is a member of the Clearwater Blue Notes, on the last number.
“Pretty darn cool,” she said.
After the concert, the Student Alumni Board and the Alumni Board of Directors hosted a Christmas party and tree lighting with hot cocoa, pictures with Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides around campus.
This article has been revised to reflect the following correction: Correction: Dec. 10, 2015 A previous version of this story did not include the Newman Instrumental Band's participation in the concert.
