What's Happening?
Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg's Department of Music is set to host its annual 'Carols by Candlelight' concerts on December 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Bloomsburg. Directed by Dr. Amelia Garbisch, Director of Choral Activities,
the event will feature performances by the university's Concert Choir, Golden Voices, Husky Singers, Bloomsburg Symphonic Choir, the student a cappella ensemble Take Note, and Festival Brass. These concerts aim to celebrate the holiday season through a diverse program of Christmas carols, sacred choral works, and seasonal selections, culminating in a candlelight ceremony. The event is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $20 per person. Additionally, the program is promoting its '100 for 100' fundraising campaign, which seeks to support choral music at Bloomsburg throughout the academic year, funding performance opportunities, guest artist collaborations, and other enriching musical experiences for students.
Why It's Important?
The 'Carols by Candlelight' concerts and the associated fundraising campaign are important for several reasons. They provide significant performance opportunities for students across various academic majors and musical backgrounds, fostering their artistic development and collaborative skills. The event also serves as a cultural cornerstone for the Bloomsburg community, offering a cherished holiday tradition that brings people together through music. Financially, the '100 for 100' campaign is crucial for sustaining the choral program, ensuring that students continue to have access to high-quality musical education, guest artist interactions, and diverse performance experiences. Without such community support and fundraising initiatives, the ability of university music programs to offer these enriching opportunities can be severely limited, impacting both student development and local cultural offerings. The suggested donation model allows for broad community participation while still seeking essential financial contributions.
What's Next?
Following the 'Carols by Candlelight' concerts, the Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg choral program will continue its fundraising efforts through the '100 for 100' campaign. Contributions from this initiative will directly support the program's activities throughout the academic year, including future performance opportunities, collaborations with professional musicians, and educational experiences for students. The success of this campaign will determine the scope and quality of future events and offerings from the choral department. Community members who support the campaign will receive priority reserved seating at their chosen 'Carols by Candlelight' performance, encouraging ongoing engagement and financial backing. The program aims to maintain and expand its offerings, ensuring a vibrant choral music presence at the university and within the wider community.
