DePauw University sets inaugural Holiday Gala

The DePauw University School of Music will be holding an inaugural Holiday Gala on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. The program will take place at the Judson and Joyce Green Center for the Performing Arts Kresge Auditorium free of charge.

Concertgoers will be greeted by brass holiday music in the Great Hall as they enter the Green Center and proceed to Kresge Auditorium. Several chamber groups, choirs and instrumental ensembles will perform throughout the evening, including the Flute Choir, the Chamber Singers, the DePauw Jazz Ensemble, the University Band and the University Orchestra. There will also be works for piano and voice.

Mark McCoy, dean of the DePauw University School of Music, previously created this event at Shephard's University in West Virginia. The event grew from a one-day program to multiple days where tickets sold out within minutes.

"It became part of a tradition," said McCoy. "It's important to note that I'm not interested in importing things and dropping them on another institution. It's become obvious to me in my short period of time living here in Greencastle that'd it be great to have a stronger community and DePauw relationship."

The school of music began planning the event in October, in hopes of bringing the school of music to a wider audience as well as to define a sense of identity for the school.

"We are thrilled to begin this great tradition to bring some light to winter, to share some great music and to strengthen the ties of DePauw and Greencastle," said McCoy. "There is amazing talent here in the School of Music and like all great talent, it should be shared."

The program will feature such holiday favorites such as "Sleigh Ride," the "Nutcracker Suite" and "Let it Snow." There will also be several opportunities for the audience to sing along and join in the concert's festive spirit.

"It doesn't really matter what your preference is in music or what your religious beliefs are," explained McCoy. "This is an opportunity to come together and hear music from a lot of different traditions."

The Holiday Gala will also feature carolers, which can be heard in various stores and restaurants on the Greencastle Square prior to the event. A reception will be held in the Great Hall immediately following the 75-minute concert.

"We hope the community can come take part and make this an exciting winter tradition," said McCoy. "Winter is often cold and bleak time and this is an opportunity to spread a little warmth. This is an opportunity to take down a little bit of the wall between the school and the town."

For more information or concert details contact the School of Music at 658-6737 or via email at schoolofmusic@depauw.edu.