The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music will present their annual University of Memphis Holiday Concert Wednesday in the Harris Concert Hall of the Music Building.
The concert will begin at 12:35 p.m., and the performance will be filled with music and remembrance to usher in the festive season, according to Kevin Sanders, the coordinator for the Holiday Concert.
"The Holiday Concert is an annual tradition," he said. "It's a two-fold mission. It is our way of showing off our talented students and the hard work they put in, as well as our way of saying thank you to the campus and community."
Student ensembles will be performing classic holiday favorites of the season along with a few surprises throughout the concert. This year, a tuba ensemble, jazz trombone group, two string quartets and a choir will lead the performance.
This Holiday Concert is unlike any before it. This year, for the first time, Fox 13 is coming to record the performance, which they will broadcast on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning on the local affiliate station.
While many cover their ears at the sound of holiday jingles, for some students the holiday concert commemorates a time of year that isn't quite like the others. For David Creech, a sophomore journalism major, it's an anthem of a season that has a way of making people nostalgic.
"The Christmas season is so special, because it beckons everyone to put aside their differences and come together," he said. "Christmas music helps us to associate the cold with being happy and with the ones we love."
For Creech, attending the concert is way to relieve tension while dealing with the stress of the final exams in his classes. He hasn't attended a concert on campus prior to this one but believes it will be a nice break from the chaos of cramming for his tests.
"I really want to go," he said. "I am glad they are having it. These concerts always tend to happen at the end of the semester when my work piles up."
Sanders, who has a hand in choosing what songs will be performed at the concert, said that while it is not specifically a Christmas-themed concert, everyone would have the opportunity to hear many favorite holiday songs.
"There is going to be some Mozart and some light music that is not necessarily holiday music," he said. "But there will also be plenty of traditional music such as 'Jingle Bells.' People looking for stuff like that will get it."
Daniel Quinlan, a senior music education major, has attended his fair share of concerts while earning his degree at the U of M. All students enrolled in the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music program must attend 100 concerts before graduating.
While music has a way of making people feel something particular, for Quinlan, it is holiday music, specifically Christmas music, that brings him a unique cheer.
"Christmas music, like any music, affects you," he said. "Most people seem to be happy and joyful at Christmas time. When they hear holiday music, they remember being happy. That's why I enjoy Christmas."
Nick Black, U of M alumnus of the music program, fondly remembers attending many concerts while in college.
"I enjoyed the holiday concerts more, because they represent being able to celebrate a very special time of year no matter what your religious affiliation may be," he said.
According to Black, the student led ensembles that lead the holiday concert often include something for everyone to enjoy. From Jewish music to Christian music to Christmas classics, it is a diverse event.
"The holiday concert always covers the gambit," he said. "Everybody participates. Musicians have always had a special place in their hearts for their holidays. The School of Music actively participates with the students in celebrating that time of year."
Sanders encourages all students to come out and take a break from the weight of finals week.
"It's nice around this time when things are so hectic and stressful to be able to relax and enjoy some beautiful festive music," he said.
