CHARLOTTE, N.C./Dec. 18, 2018听鈥撎强瘴尴薮解檚 annual Christmas Vespers service was a grand success Dec. 2, 2018. This year鈥檚 Vespers were even more anticipated than usual, as the program featured the combined voices of the JCSU Concert Choir and the newly organized JCSU Alumni Choir, as well as more community partnership.
The program opened with a prelude from the Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology orchestra. Notes from the young musicians鈥 stringed instruments sweetened the air as university and community members filled every pew in the Jane M. Smith Memorial Church.
Under the direction of Dr. Shawn-Allyce White, the choirs filled the sanctuary with soul-soothing sounds. Alto soloist Janetta Wall 鈥13 led the first song, 鈥淥 Come, O Come Emmanuel鈥 as the combined choirs entered the church. The ensuing program of classic Christmas music included 鈥淗andel鈥檚 Messiah,鈥 and 鈥淥ratorio de Noel,鈥 as well as newer favorites 鈥淩ockin鈥 Jerusalem,鈥 鈥淐hildren, Go Where I Send Thee鈥 and Kirk Franklin鈥檚 鈥淪ilver and Gold.鈥
The Crown Jewels (NC) Chapter of the Links Inc. Arts Facet were partners in the program, supporting performances by soprano Jewel Holmes 鈥22 and baritone Jaaven Middleton 鈥22.
White was honored by students and alumni, in presentations from Deomunique Abrams 鈥19 and Ron Matthews, former director of Alumni Relations, who gave her a special gift on behalf of the Class of 鈥78.
Overall, it was an amazing evening of reunions and new relationships while we celebrated the ties that bind.
