The seats of Huff Concert Hall filled with sounds of festive holiday cheer Tuesday night as Methodist University opened its holiday arts season with the Fayetteville Symphonic Band taking the stage. Families, students, and other music lovers gathered for a lineup of seasonal favorites, including music from Home Alone, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Sleigh Ride, and several audience sing-along classics.

The Fayetteville Symphonic Band is the region’s only community wind band, welcoming musicians of all ages and expertise. Their holiday concert has become a tradition for many Fayetteville families, and for the musicians themselves, a chance to share their love of music within a space that celebrates their community partnerships.

“The Fayetteville Symphonic Band is very grateful for Methodist University’s continued support by sharing Huff Concert Hall with us,” said Thomas Hill, marketing and office manager for the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra.

The ensemble will return to campus in the spring for additional performances.

Up Next: MU Chorale Holiday Showcase

Thursday, December 4 | 7-9 p.m. | Matthews Chapel

The holiday arts season continues this week as the MU Chorale presents its December showcase. This year’s program will feature four pieces and a closing audience sing-along, accompanied by pianist Danielle Angeloni.

Methodist University director of Orchestra and Chorus Jonathan Rush shared a preview of what audiences can expect:

“The concert will be a short and joyous event featuring MU students as soloists, and including wonderful tunes such as Done Made My Vow, a spiritual arranged by Carl W. Haywood, and a Christmas Holiday Sing-A-Long for the entire audience to join in song.”

Rush added that the evening’s selections highlight themes of warmth, community, and gratitude, those sentiments shared by student singers as they prepare for the event.

Chorale President Ellery Cartwright said the group has been rehearsing throughout the semester, as a sophomore and in his second season as president he says eagerness to perform both on campus and in the community has increased amongst the members. The ensemble will even visit a local nursing home this week to “spread merriment” ahead of the showcase.

Upcoming Performances

The Nutcracker: Presented by Dance Theatre of Fayetteville
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday December 5-7 | Times Vary | Huff Concert Hall

A holiday tradition returns to Huff Concert Hall as the Dance Theatre of Fayetteville brings The Nutcracker to Methodist University for three special performances this weekend − Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

MU Community and their immediate family members (show School ID at the door) will be admitted free. The public can purchase tickets at the-dance-theatre-of-fayetteville.square.site

Handel’s Messiah with Cumberland Choral Arts
Saturday, December 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Huff Concert Hall

Methodist University will once again partner with Cumberland Choral Arts and welcome back the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra to present Handel’s Messiah, supported by the Ralph and Linda Huff Endowment. Tickets are free but required to ensure everyone has a seat. You can reserve your tickets here

Cumberland Choral Arts Director Curt Kinzey shared his sentiments on their upcoming performance:

“Collaborating with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra on Messiah is one of the highlights of my year. This music has a remarkable way of connecting people − different generations, different backgrounds − everyone shares in the same emotional and uplifting experience. It strengthens our sense of community. And we’re especially thankful to Methodist University for welcoming us and giving this tradition such a wonderful home.”

As the season continues, Methodist University looks forward to welcoming the community back for more moments of music, tradition, and togetherness throughout the month of December. For more information on upcoming performances, or ticket information visit methodist.edu/events/