December 1, 2005

A jazzy rendition of We Three Kings is one of 19 Christmas selections slated to be performed during Corban’s Christmas Celebration at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3, and at 3 p.m. Dec. 3.

Music will be performed by the concert choir, concert band, chamber choir, jazz band and string ensemble, all wearing formal attire, during the nearly two-hour event.

Admission is free; an offering will be taken for the purchase of new instruments and to help defray costs of the choirs’ upcoming trip to Bulgaria and Turkey.

“We have some jazz, traditional Christmas music, renaissance music and popular favorites,” said Virginia Cross, chairman of the music department. “The audience will be invited to sing some Christmas carols; they’re part of the program.”

Some selections will feature the choirs, bands and string ensemble performing together. All will take place in the seasonally-decorated Psalm Performing Arts Center.

“The Marketing Office provided us with lovely decorations – wreaths, garlands and Christmas trees,” Dr. Cross said. “It’s all very festive – golds, reds and greens.”

A 3 p.m. Saturday matinee performance was added this year, in addition to the 7 p.m. performances Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3.

“We hope some families and people with mobility issues and senior issues might come in the afternoon who wouldn’t find evening convenient,” Dr. Cross said. “Traditionally we’ve had strong attendance for the Christmas event and this year people can also enjoy our beautiful new building.”

Selections from the Christmas Celebration will be performed at 9:50 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, during the annual Christmas chapel in the Psalm Performing Arts Center, and again at noon Friday, Dec. 2 in the Oregon State Capitol.

--By Karen L. Willoughby