ENMU adds new twist to old tradition

Local columnist

link Betty Williamson

For most of its 80 years, Eastern New Mexico University has offered a December holiday concert as its gift to our community.

This Yuletide event is so popular the school has long presented duplicate back-to-back concerts to accommodate overflow crowds (including junkies like me who regularly stayed for both performances).

Tonight, the School of Music unveils a sparkling new incarnation of this event, one that promises to put fresh wrapping on this cherished tradition.

The two most important things to know are that it has been moved to the Campus Union Ballroom, and there will be only one performance — but it’s going to be a grand one — that gets under way at 7 p.m.

The ballroom has been set up so that 650 of us will be seated facing the windows that overlook the campus, and we’ll be treated to “surround sound from ensembles in every direction,” according to Jason Paulk, director of ENMU choirs.

Besides the ENMU choirs, entertainers for this hour-long musical feast include the symphonic band, the steel band, the jazz band, the brass ensemble, the clarinet choir, the double reed ensemble, the Swanee Singers, and the ever-enchanting Eastern New Mexico Children’s Choir.

While it’s a big change, Paulk said “the energy that comes from having one audience enjoy one really incredible performance should be inspiring.”

Need a shiny bow on top? The University Friends of Music are hosting a reception afterward.

Thank you, ENMU.

Betty Williamson believes that Eastern’s holiday concert is the best gift she receives each year. You may reach her at:

[email protected]