December
10, 2015
The
holiday season has arrived at Virginia Wesleyan, and with it has come an
abundance of merriment and special events across campus and into the community.
One College tradition in particular has even received some national media
attention recently. I am pleased to report that the Center for Sacred Music’s Monumental Moments series
earned the #9 spot this month on Best College Review’s ranking of “The 45 Best College Holiday Events.”
According
to the college and university ranking service, their list was compiled based on
criteria such as event uniqueness and level of community involvement—traits
that are most definitely found in Monumental Moments. The series began December
3 with "The Christmas Story in Lessons & Carols," which featured
Advent and Christmas scriptures with poetry, singing, and special music by the
Wesleyan Chorale under the direction of Dr. Bryson Mortensen.
The
Monumental Moments series will continue in spring 2016 with these collaborative
presentations:
"Women's
Christmas"
January
16, 12 p.m., Monumental Chapel
On
this traditional date of Epiphany, 'Nollaig na mBan' ("Little
Christmas") marks an Irish tradition which offers women a time apart from
duties of hearth and home to celebrate and reflect on the New Year.
Co-sponsored by the Center for Sacred Music, Women's and Gender Studies, and
the Women's Resource Center.
"From
Dust You Have Come"
February
10, 12 p.m. & 4 p.m., Monumental Chapel
An
Ash Wednesday service of scripture readings, music, reflection and the
imposition of ashes. Co-sponsored by the Center for Sacred Music and the Office
of the Chaplain.
Though
the official ranking was based on the Monumental Moments series, the editors at
Best College Review also recognized “A Wesleyan Christmas,” which took place
December 4-5 and featured holiday favorites by the Wesleyan Singers, the
Wesleyan Chorale and faculty soloists and instrumentalists.
Congratulations
to Dr. Sandra Billy, Director of the Center for Sacred Music, Dr. Bryson
Mortensen, Director of Choral Music and Assistant Professor of Music, the VWC
Music Department and all who continue to bring these special events to
life.
