Buddy the Elf famously said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
If you haven’t made time to attend a concert, enjoy a Christmas play, or even just watch a holiday movie with your family, especially one filled with music, you might be missing out on the true spirit of the season.
I was convinced my band days were over when I graduated from the University of the Cumberlands in May of 2024. I was so surprised and excited when I saw they were doing a community band for Christmas. That meant I didn’t have to be a student to play music with them.
I had missed playing the flute with others. After recently attending a Louisville Orchestra performance at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, I left thinking, “I really miss making music with a group like that.”
Our group practiced every Monday for nearly two hours over two months. Aside from a couple of players, I didn’t really know anyone, and I’d never played under the new band director, Dr. Duane Warfield. He proved to be welcoming, funny, and someone I could learn from.
We prepared pieces such as “Into the Clouds” by Richard L. Saucedo, but just pretended it was Santa Claus in the clouds to be more fitting for the season, Christmas Eve/Sarajevo and Christmas “Pop” Sing-a-Long, full of Christmas tunes like Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, Silver Bells, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
The program had lyrics for the various Christmas tunes so the audience and choir could sing along while we played.
The program also featured the community choir, the Homeschool Children’s Chorus, and a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Meg Judd, president of the Whitley Area Retired Teachers Association (WARTA), whom I’d recently had the pleasure of meeting.
I had so much fun playing Christmas music with these people I barely knew. I had some family and friends come see me play, and it was really cool to be supported like that. I also saw Dr. Smoak again, the choir director at the University of the Cumberlands. Seeing him always puts a smile on my face because he brings such positive energy wherever he goes.
Each year, the University of the Cumberlands Music Department presents Christmas at the Cumberlands, with performances by the wind ensemble, Cumberland Voices, Jazz Ensemble, and other ensembles. I got to go this year as an audience member. They were amazing. I specifically loved seeing vocalist Jazzlyn Threlkeld sing “Christmas Time is Here” with the jazz ensemble.
I also loved that the program opened with a tune from The Polar Express, played by the wind ensemble, which is my favorite Christmas movie.
I also had the privilege of attending local school productions. The Redhound Theatre performed Humbug! A Christmas Carol, and I was able to attend both a dress rehearsal and the middle school community performance. The students’ talent and dedication shone through, bringing the Christmas spirit to life. I was especially impressed by the singing, the spooky lights, and the portrayal of Scrooge. Their goal was to highlight the story’s darker elements, and at times, it was genuinely spooky. I especially loved the ghost interactions with the audience.
Unfortunately, I missed the live production of The Colonel Players’ A Christmas Story due to illness, but I was able to catch a rehearsal. I’m sure their final performance was just as impressive. Those students are passionate about what they do and really know how to make audience members laugh.
So if you haven’t already, I encourage you to seek out some holiday music: attend a concert, watch a play, or sing along to your favorite carols. You just might find, as I did, that it brings a little extra cheer to your season.
