Christmas with Waldorf Recap

CHRISTMAS WITH WALDORF 2020 RECAP

As I sit writing to you, our beloved alumni, I am listening to the Christmas with Waldorf 2020, Under the Same Sky production on YouTube. The production is a collection of contributions made from over 100 students representing over a dozen different majors and activities, 10 faculty and staff, and the sites of Forest City. From the Boman Fine Arts Center to Heritage Park, our students shared in the experience of a lifetime through the creation of Under the Same Sky.

Our students remained positive despite being masked at all times, significantly distanced when singing and playing, and performing in smaller groups that exposed their work more intimately than ever before. Having joined us within the pandemic, Dr. Emilie Bertram, the new Director of Choral Activities, demonstrated true professionalism and leadership. Dr. Bertram, functioning also as the Artistic Director, answered the call to create the program as a pre-recorded broadcast that interlaced and highlighted the various cultures and arts represented within our community. In Dr. Bertram’s words, “The theme pays homage to the fact that while we were not able to be physically gathered together to enjoy the concert in person, we are still living under the same sky, looking at the same sun, moon, and stars that bore witness to the events of the first Christmas. Multiple pieces on the concert referenced celestial bodies, from the “radiant dawn” and “sheltering sky,” to the “stars of the morning.” As scripture states, “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:4) The art contributions by Keely McLain, Waldorf’s new Art Director, along with art students such as Mara Leet, were true highlights of this years’ collaborations. The music department is also grateful for the audio/ visual and technical abilities of Dan May, Director of the Boman Fine Arts Center. Dan’s countless hours of editing and refining exceeded the vision set forth by the music department for this production. Under the Same Sky musical selections included: "When Jesus Comes", "Fanfare and Flourish", "Le Sommeil de I’Enfant Jesus", "Brightest and Best", "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree" along with "On Christmas Night" composed by Nancy Farndale, our ComposerIn-Residence. "Dancing Day" featured an original dance choreographed and performed by student-athlete, Tyler O’Hara. The evening culminated in a splendid first movement of the "Gloria" with guest instrumentalists from local communities, Waldorf faculty, and the Forest City High School. The production continued with an emotional "Peace Peace", overlaid with "Silent Night" including a beautiful descant by student Laura Harms on flute. "Beautiful Savior", a Waldorf favorite, featuring student-soloist Hanna Ferguson concluded the evening.

If you would like access to the Christmas with Waldorf 2020: Under the Same Sky YouTube video, please email music@waldorf.edu.

We love celebrating the traditions of Waldorf through our music. In fact, we regularly rehearse and share the alma mater! Please reach out to us to ensure you are receiving performance updates, pop-up recital notifications, alumni ensemble celebrations, or to share your musical stories with us. The music department can be reached via email at music@waldorf.edu.

Thank you for continuing to help us provide opportunities for students to discover music at Waldorf!

Melanie Harms Espeland, Ph.D Department Chair & Associate Professor of Music