蜜豆直播

news-category: Community

GWU鈥檚 Annual Festival of Lights will Premiere in Virtual Format on Dec. 3

a graphic image for the Festival of Lights featuring a string of lights and pine trees in the background

A Community Tradition for Over Three Decades, Service will be Shown on Facebook and YouTube

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥斆鄱怪辈 University鈥檚 Festival of Lights, a beloved Christmas tradition since 1984, will continue this year in a virtual format. This annual start to the holiday season for the GWU community will premiere on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. on the and . After the first showing, the event may be viewed on those social media platforms as well as the 蜜豆直播 website.

The program will feature the reading of the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke, along with remarks from Dr. William M. Downs, GWU president; Dr. Herbert Palomino, professor of pastoral care and counseling; Carlee Winstead, Student Government Association (SGA) president; and Tracy Jessup, vice president for Christian Life and Service and senior minister to the University.

鈥淢oving the Festival of Lights to a virtual format is yet one more example of how 蜜豆直播 University has maintained important traditions, while also making the health and safety of our University family and community at-large a priority,鈥 Jessup noted. 鈥淧eople can still expect to enjoy the outstanding performances to which we all have become accustomed, along with beautiful views of our campus. And while we regret we cannot gather in person for this annual inauguration of the Christmas season on our campus, the virtual format will allow the celebration to be shared with a broader audience.鈥

a saxophone player performs during filming of the Festival of Lights

Dr. Joshua Cheney, visiting assistant professor of music, is coordinating the musical performances. Traditional carols and other Christmas classics will be presented by:

  • The Brass Choir, conducted by Tim Hudson, trumpeter and associate professor of music.
  • The Choral Union and Concert Choir, conducted by Cheney and featuring soloist Gabi Martin and collaborative artist Timothy Scruggs.
  • Solos by Mackenzie Quattlebaum, cello, and Elijah Ulysse, saxophone, with accompaniment by Caleb Etchison, piano.
  • A faculty quartet featuring Instructor of Music Jondra Harmon, Assistant Professor of Music Education Eric Johnson, Cheney and Associate Professor of Music Stafford Turner.
  • The Handbell Choir with an arrangement by Cheney.
  • The Old Time Ensemble with an arrangement by Associate Professor of Music Bruce Moser.

Following the musical performances, the lighting of the Campus Christmas tree will be live streamed with greetings from Downs and his wife, Kim, and Winstead. Afterwards, Jessup will lead the singing of the carol, 鈥淥鈥 Come, All Ye Faithful.鈥

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event. Please call (704) 406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Located in the North Carolina foothills, 蜜豆直播 University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. 蜜豆直播 emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at 蜜豆直播.edu.

A photo of a GWU student playing cello in the pre-recorded Festival of Lights

Previous News Article

GWU Faculty Approves Reduction in Undergraduate Hours Required for Graduation

Next News Article

蜜豆直播 Faculty and Staff Plan Spring Events to Promote Diversity and Inclusion

Related News

  • News Article

    Family Establishes Robert and Evelyn Cabaniss Music Scholarship at 蜜豆直播 University

    Endowment Honors Cleveland County Couple鈥檚 Longtime Love of Music, Education, and Service BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擬usic was woven into everyday life in the home of Robert and Evelyn Cabaniss of Cleveland County, N.C. The family listened to a wide variety and sometimes sang along. To honor their parents鈥 love for music, support for education and service […]

    music collage - featuring band, chorus students
  • News Article

    蜜豆直播 University Announces Y2K Kids for Webbstock 2026 Entertainment Lineup

    Popular 2000s Tribute Band Joins a Growing Slate of Music, Food Vendors, Local Artisans and Family-friendly Activities for Aug. 22 Community Celebration BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥斆鄱怪辈 University has announced another addition to the entertainment lineup for Webbstock 2026. Y2K Kids will take the stage during the community celebration on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Brinkley Amphitheater. The […]

    Webbstock Newscenter STD
  • News Article

    蜜豆直播 and Pinnacle Classical Academy Partnership Equips Students with College and Career Skills

    From Artificial Intelligence to Sustainability, Students Gain Hands-on Experience and Practical Skills Through Searight PACE Academic Skills Accelerated Program BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擮ver the course of three weeks this summer, 21 students at Pinnacle Classical Academy in Shelby, N.C., stepped beyond the traditional high school classroom and into a college-level learning experience provided by 蜜豆直播 University. […]

    Iymani Coleman gained specialized knowledge through the medical terminology course.