Orchestra to Present "Holiday Pops!"

The Westminster College student orchestra will present "Holiday Pops!" concert Sunday, Nov. 23, at 3 p.m. in Will W. Orr Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public.

"The orchestra is excited to present such a great collection of classic holiday pieces," shares Dr. Melinda H. Crawford Perttu, Westminster College orchestra director and assistant professor of music. "This music should appeal to the entire family and get us all into the mood for snow, lights, and family.  There is something for everyone in this concert."

The program includes: "Christmas at the Movies" by B. Krogstad, which features selections from "Miracle on 34th Street," "The Polar Express," "Home Alone, "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas;" "Fantasia on Greensleeves" by R.  Vaughan Williams, arr. D. Stone; "Festive Sounds of Hanukah" by B. Holcombe, featuring "Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages)," "Mi Y' Malel (Who Can Retell)," "Hanukah, Hanukah," "My Dreidel," "S' Vivon (Spin, Dreidel)," and "Hanukah, O Hanukah;" "Charlie Brown Christmas" by V. Guaraldi and L. Mendelson, arr. D. Pugh, "Carol of the Bells" by M. Leontovich and P. Wilhousky,  arr. R. Hayman; "‘Twas the Night Before Christmas" by B. Holcombe (poem by C. C. Moore) featuring Mr. Edgar Groves, lecturer of music, as narrator; and "A Christmas Festival" by L. Anderson, featuring "Joy to the World," "Deck the Halls," God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Good King Wenceslaus," "Hark, the Herald Angles Sing," "Silent Night," and "Jingle Bells."

Perttu has been at Westminster since 2009.  She received her bachelor's in music education from Duquesne University, Master's in music education, and PH.D. in music education with an emphasis in string pedagogy from The Ohio State University.

For more information about the upcoming concert, contact Perttu at (724) 946-7271 or email perttumh@westminster.edu. 

The Westminster College Orchestra