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A stable lamp is lighted whose glow shall wake the sky; the stars shall bend their voices, and every stone shall cry. And every stone shall cry, and straw like gold shall shine; a barn shall harbour heaven, a stall become a shrine.
Richard Wilbur (1921-2017)
Every year that passes, I become more aware that the fabric of the Christmas story is woven with paradoxes. This extraordinary event – the corporeal manifestation of divine love, the cosmic redefining of boundaries between spirit and flesh, the genesis of salvation itself – unfolds in the most common of circumstances, many of which share direct parallels with our world today. A young couple, likely struggling with the intense social scrutiny surrounding their pregnancy, responds to a demand by a colonial governor to participate in a census. They return to the father’s paternal homeland, only to be relegated to a nearby barn to give birth to their child. After a labor and delivery that must have been both incredibly painful and devoid of modern sanitary standards, the father experiences a dream-vision in which his tiny, helpless son will be the target of political violence. He picks up his family and leaves, beginning years of life as refugees. How can something so small, so vulnerable, so fragile, be so dangerous? How can the ordinary become extraordinary? How can one light break the darkness?
“To Wake the Sky” is a celebration of the paradoxes of Christmas. Richard Wilbur’s text invites us to consider the coexistence of humanity and divinity in the whole story of Jesus: in his birth, his life, his death, and his rising again. Most importantly, it invites us to see the historical Jesus in our own world today, living on the margins, speaking truth to power, and making tangible God’s wholeness in a broken world.
In our program tonight, the sky itself is both a figurative and literal stage for these discoveries. You will hear songs of prophecy, of celebration, of wonder, from Hallelujahs to the words of explorers as they encountered the Northern Lights for the first time. The ordinary backdrop of our shared sky becomes something alive, a reminder of our smallness – and our capacity to be awed. As you hear each piece tonight, I hope you find curiosity in contradiction, purpose in hidden truths, and the fire to bring God’s love alive in our world today.
Margaret Burk, Artistic Director
With Generosity:
Isabelle and William Wittig Nativity Star – Restoration by Martino’s Dry Cleaners
Jim and LaRue Unglaube Advent Wreath Fritsch Memorial Organ
Please turn off all electronic devices. Hold your applause until the end of the performance, and refrain from using cameras and video or audio recorders. We appreciate your help in keeping the event free of extraneous noises by avoiding entering or exiting while an ensemble is performing, opening cough drop wrappers as quietly and quickly as possible, and ensuring that hearing aids or assisted listening devices are not creating feedback.
To Wake the Sky
Hodie Christus Natus Est
A Stable Lamp Is Lighted
Gregorian Antiphon
Carthage Choir, Vox Ignis
David Hurd (b. 1950), arr. Zack Leffew
Carthage Choir, Treble Choir, Vox Ignis, and Philharmonic
First Advent Candle: HOPE
Reading: Luke 4:16-20
When [Jesus] came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor�
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor�”
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him�
Prayer
Lighting of the First Advent Candle: HOPE
PLEASE STAND AS YOU ARE ABLE AND SING:
HYMN: My Soul Cries Out
1. My 2. From the
soul halls cries of out pow'r with to a the
joy for ful tress shout tow'r, that not the a
God stone of will my be heart left is on
great, stone.
and Let my the
spir king it be sings ware of for the your
won jus drous tice things tears that ev you 'ry
bring ty to rant the ones from who his
wait. throne.
You The
fixed hun your gry sight poor on shall your
ser weep vant's no plight, more, and for my the
weak food ness they you can did nev not er
spurn, earn;
so there from are
east ta to bles west spread, shall ev my 'ry
name mouth be be blest. fed, Could for the the
world world be is a a bout bout to to
turn? turn. -
My Refrain
heart shall sing of the
day you bring. Let the
fires of your jus tice
burn. -
Wipe a
PLEASE BE SEATED.
I Saw Three Ships
way all tears, for the
dawn draws near, and the
world is a bout to
turn. - -
arr. Brian Finley
Eric Whitacre (b. 1970), arr. Emily Crocker
Trad. Burgundian Carol, arr. Sandra Peter Voces Aquae
Second Advent Candle: PEACE
Thunder rumbles in the mountain passes
And lightning rattles the eaves of our houses
Snow falls upon snow, falls upon snow
The sky slips low and grey and threatening
We question ourselves
We worry God
Are you there? Are you there really?
Does the covenant you made with us still hold?
Into this climate of fear and apprehension, Christmas enters,
Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope
And singing carols of forgiveness high up in the bright air
In our joy, we think we hear a whisper�
At first it is too soft. Then only half heard.
We listen carefully as it gathers strength�
We hear a sweetness�
Prayer
Lighting of the Second Advent Candle: PEACE
PLEASE STAND AS YOU ARE ABLE AND SING:
HYMN: Bright and Glorious is the Sky
1. Bright 2. On and that glo ho rious ly
is Christ the mas sky, night
It is loud now It is louder
Louder than the explosion of bombs.
We tremble at the sound� We are thrilled by its presence�
It is what we have hungered for
Not just the absence of war But, true Peace
A harmony of spirit, a comfort of courtesies�
Security for our beloveds and their beloveds
We clap hands and welcome the Peace of Christmas
We beckon this good season to wait a while with us
So we may learn by your shimmering light
How to look beyond complexion and see community.
We look at each other, then into ourselves
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation Peace, My Brother� Peace, My Sister Peace, My Soul
DEJLIG ER DEN HIMMEL BLAA
ra through diant the are dark the ness
heav beamed ens a high light;
where all the the gold stars en a
stars bove are were shin pal ing. ing,
All all their their rays lust to er
earth slow in ly clin fail ing ing
beck as on the us won to drous
PLEASE BE SEATED.
heav'n star a drew bove, nigh,
beck as on the us won to drous
heav'n star a drew
bove. nigh.
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
Gloria from Rubrical Expressions
Magnificat from Holden Village Vespers
Wind Orchestra
J.S. Bach (1685-1750), arr. Alfred Reed
Graeme Shields (b. 1992)
Shirley Mier (b. 1968)
Third Advent Candle: JOY
Reading: Matthew 2:1-2, 5-6, 9-11
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage�”
In Bethlehem of Judea, [they learned] for so it has been written by the prophet: “‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel ’”
When [the magi] had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was� When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Lighting of the Third Advent Candle: JOY
Go tell it on the
moun tain,
go tell it on the
1. While 2. The
o ver the hills and
moun tain that
shep shep herds herds kept feared their and
ev 'ry where;
Je sus Christ is
watch trem ing bled o'er when,
si lo, lent a flocks bove by the
born!
be rang
hold out through the out an the gel
heav chor ens us there that
shown hailed a our ho Sav ly ior's
night, earth
light. birth. Refrain
Drop Down, Ye Heavens
O Nata Lux
Bogoroditse Devo
Fourth Advent Candle: LOVE
POEM: Risk of Birth
This is no time for a child to be born, With the earth betrayed by war & hate And a comet slashing the sky to warn That time runs out & the sun burns late
Lincoln Chamber Singers
When is the time for love to be born?
The inn is full on the planet earth, And by a comet the sky is torn— Yet Love still takes the risk of birth
That was no time for a child to be born, In a land in the crushing grip of Rome; Honor & truth were trampled to scorn— Yet here did the Savior make His home
Prayer
Lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle: LOVE
PLEASE STAND AS YOU ARE ABLE AND SING:
HYMN: Away in a Manger
bed, wakes,
head; makes.
PLEASE
hear made the the news an the gels
an
gels this bring. night.
Christ out mas of night dark all ness
Chris we tians have sing light, to which
hear made the the news an the gels
an sing gels this bring: night:
PLEASE
news "Glo of ry great to
joy, God news in of high great est
mirth, heav'n;
news peace of on our earth,
mer and ci good ful will. king's A
birth. men."
1. Lo, 2. This
how flow'r, a whose rose fra e'er grance
bloom ten ing der from with
ten sweet der ness stem fills hath the
sprung! air,
Of dis
Jes pels se's with lin glo eage rious
com splen ing dor as the
seers dark of ness old ev have 'ry
sung, where.
it True
came, man, a yet flow'r ve so ry
win saves ter, us when and
mid sin the and cold death of he-
bright, God, a from
half light spent ens was ev the 'ry
night. load.
Berceuse and Finale from The Firebird
PLEASE STAND AS YOU ARE ABLE AND SING:
HYMN: Angels We Have Heard on High
1. An 2. Shep gels herds, we why have this
heard ju on bi high, lee?
sweet Why ly your sing joy ing ous
o'er strains the pro plain, long?
and What the the moun glad tains some
Refrain
Glo
in tid re ings ply, be
ech which o in ing spire their your
joy heav'n ous ly strains. song?
PLEASE BE SEATED.
(b.
Margaret Burk (b. 1990) Carthage Choir
PLEASE STAND AS YOU ARE ABLE AND SING:
HYMN: Jesus, What a Wonderful Child
Je sus,
Je sus, so
life, new hope the
"Glo ry, glo ry,
PLEASE BE SEATED.
Hallelujah from Messiah
ho ly, meek, and
child will bring.
Lis ten to the
glo ry," let the
mild;
an gels sing:
ring!
HYMN: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
& #
Hark! Christ Hail 1. 2. 3. by the The her high heav'n ald est born œ œ œ œ an heav'n Prince gels a of peace! sing, dored, œ œ . œ J œ Hail "Glo Christ, ry the the to ev Sun the er of œ œ ˙ new last righ born ing teous ness! King; Lord,
& #
œ œ . œ j œ late Light peace on in and earth time life and be to
œ œ mer hold all cy him he mild, come, brings, œ
. œ j œ God off ris'n and spring with sin of heal ners a ing œ œ ˙ rec in vir con gin's his womb. wings. ciled!" - - -- -& # œ œ œ œ Joy Veiled Mild ful, in he all flesh lays ye the his œ œ œ œ na God glo tions, head ry rise, by, see! œ œ œ œ œ join born Hail the the that in tri car we umph nate no œ œ œ œ of more de the i may skies; die, ty! - -- - - -& # œ œ œ œ with Pleased born an as to gel man raise ic with each œ œ ˙ child us hosts pro to of claim earth, dwell, œ œ œ . œ j œ Je born
"Christ is to sus, born our give in Em us œ œ ˙ Beth man se le u cond birth. hem!" el! - - - -- - -& # . œ J œ œ œ Hark! The her ald Refrain œ œ ˙ an gels sing, œ œ œ . œ j œ "Glo ry to the œ œ ˙ new born King!" - - - -
Service of Light
Reading: John 1:1-5, 14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God He was in the beginning with God� All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being� What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people� The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth�
The Prayer
Lighting of the Candles
Please wait until the candlelight reaches you. Then, tip your unlit candle over the one that is already lit to avoid dripping any wax. We raise the candles during the third stanza to honor the “Son of God, love’s pure light.” Please extinguish your candle following the Blessing.
PLEASE STAND AS YOU ARE ABLE AND SING:
Silent Night, Holy Night
Si lent lent lent
night, night, night,
ho ho ho ly ly ly
night! night! night!
All Shep Son is herds of
all at love's is the pure
bright sight; light
round glo ra yon ries diant
stream beams vir from from gin
moth hea your er ven ho and a ly
calm, quake God,
child. far, face,
Ho heav'n with ly ly the
in hosts dawn fant of so sing, re
ten al deem der le and lu ing
mild, ia! grace,
sleep Christ, Je in the sus,
heav Sav Lord, en ior at ly is your
peace, born! birth,
sleep Christ Je , in the sus,
heav Sav Lord, en ior at ly is your
peace. born! birth.
The Sending Carol
HYMN: O Come, All Ye Faithful
1. O
2. The 3.
FIDELES
come, high Sing, all est, choirs ye most of
faith ho an ful, ly, gels,
joy light sing ful of in and light ex tri e ul
um ter ta phant! nal, tion,
come born sing, ye, of all O a ye
come vir cit i ye gin, zens to a of
Beth mor heav'n tal le he a
hem; comes; bove!
come Son Glo and of ry be the to
hold Fath God him, ther
born now in the in king flesh the of a
Refrain (Harmony parts may be sung following first and second verses)
come, let us a
dore him,
come, let us a
an pear high gels: ring! est:
dore him,
Texts and Translations
Hodie, Christus natus est
Today is Christ born; today the Savior has appeared; today the Angels sing, the Archangels rejoice; today the righteous rejoice, saying: Glory to God in the highest � Alleluia!
A Stable Lamp is Lighted
A stable lamp is lighted whose glow shall wake the sky; the stars shall bend their voices, and every stone shall cry And every stone shall cry, and straw like gold shall shine; a barn shall harbour heaven, a stall become a shrine�
This child through David’s city shall ride in triumph by; the palm shall strew its branches, and every stone shall cry� And every stone shall cry, though heavy, dull and dumb, and lie within the roadway to pave his kingdom come
Yet he shall be forsaken, and yielded up to die; the sky shall groan and darken, and every stone shall cry And every stone shall cry for gifts of love abused; God’s blood upon the spearhead, God’s blood again refused�
But now, as at the ending, the low is lifted high; the stars shall bend their voices, and every stone shall cry� And every stone shall cry in praises of the child by whose descent among us the worlds are reconciled
—Richard Wilbur (1921-2017)
I Saw Three Ships
I saw three ships come sailing in on Christmas day in the morning�
And who was on those ships all three? Our Savior Christ and His Lady… And all of heaven’s angels sing… And all the souls on earth shall sing… And all the bells on earth shall ring… For joy, our Saviour He was born
Glow
Softly falls the winter snow, whispers to the sleeping world below: “Wintertide awakes ” Morning breaks and set the earth aglow In gentle tones of warmest winter white, Proclaim the glory of Aurora’s light � Sparrow sings in a clear clear voice, a sweet silver carol for the season born Radiant wings as the skies rejoice, Arise and illuminate the morn “Glow, like the softly falling snow�”
—Edward Esch
Patapan
Willie, take your little drum; With a whistle, Robin, come: With the sound of instruments, Turelurelu, patapatapan, we proclaim it’s Christmas Day!
It was so in olden days, that to praise the King of kings, all would play their instruments, and we should do the same
We are all joined now with God, we are close as flute and drum, for today our Christ has come, let us sing and dance with joy!
—La Monnoye
Drop Down, Ye Heavens
Drop down ye heavens from above, And let the skies pour down righteousness Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people; My salvation shall not tarry I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgressions Fear not, for I will save thee; For I am the Lord thy God, The holy one of Israel, thy redeemer Drop down ye heavens from above, And let the skies pour down righteousness
—Advent Prose
O Nata Lux
O Light born of Light, Jesus, redeemer of the world, Mercifully deign to accept the praises and prayers of your suppliants
O you who once deigned to be hidden in flesh on behalf of the lost, grant us to be made members of your blessed body� —Office Hymn for Lauds of the Feast of the Transfiguration
Bogoroditse Devo
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with Thee� Blessed art Thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, for Thou hast borne the Savior of our souls —Orthodox Book of Prayers
Christmas Eve
We have found the promised Savior Who hath been so long foretold; We have found the Christian goodness Which is worth a hundred-fold And we’ll spread the gladsome tidings, ‘Til the sound of war shall cease; ‘Til the homes of all are brightened By the glorious Prince of Peace And ere we meet the hour of slumber, Or breathe the last “good night,” We’ll softly whisper, sweetly sing In a chorus unite to kindred here, Peace, peace�
—Mt. Lebanon Shaker Society
Wassail!
Come butler, come fill us a bowl of the best Then we hope that your soul in heaven may rest But if you do draw us a bowl of the small Then down shall go butler, bowl and all�
Wassail! Wassail! all over the town, Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown; Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree; With the wassailing bowl, we’ll drink to thee�
And here is to Fillpail and to her left ear Pray God send our master a happy New Year And a happy New Year as e’er he did see With the wassailing bowl, we’ll drink to thee�
And here is to Colly and to her long tail! Pray God send our master he never may fail A bowl of strong beer; I pray you draw near, And our jolly wassail it’s then you shall hear�
Then here’s to the maid in the lily white smock Who tripped to the door and slipped back the lock; Who tripped to the door and pulled back the pin, For to let these jolly wassailers in�
Sing Wassail! Wassail all over the town! Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown; Our bowl it is made of that white maple tree; With the wassailing bowl we’ll drink to thee!
—Gloucestershire Wassail
Orion
Most mourn the falling leaves, the weight of death the ground receives� Yet you rise in Winter’s Chill, and in the gloom you still believe
Most mourn the setting sun The aging day is overcome� Yet you rise in ‘Twilight Still, and night reveals you one by one
Carefully the constellations bend their knees to your dictation� Standing guard with quiver ready, stance you’ve held for cent’ries steady� Warrior high above the earth, telling human beings of their worth Most mourn the sinking mast, the ocean’s pull into the vast � Yet you rise at Memory’s Will, and you will stand on ages past
—Faith Zimmer
When the Song of the Angels is Stilled
When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the heavens is gone, When the kings and the princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, to heal the broken, To feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among brothers, To make music in the heart
When the star is gone, when the song is stilled, the work of Christmas begins�
—Howard Thurman
A Spotless Rose
A spotless Rose is blowing Sprung from a tender root, Of ancient seers’ foreshowing, Of Jesse promised fruit; Its fairest bud unfolds to light Amid the cold, cold winter And in the dark midnight
The Rose which I am singing, Whereof Isaiah said, Is from its sweet root springing In Mary, purest Maid; For through our God’s great love and might The blessed babe she bare us In a cold, cold winter’s night
—14th Century
Northern Lights
(Sung in Latvian)
How many nights against the North wind I saw the Northern Lights fighting; Fighting in the sky, the Northern Lights Bring wars to our land�
It was night, and I had gone on deck several times Iceberg was silent; I too was silent It was true dark and cold�
At nine o’clock I was below in my cabin, When the captain hailed me with the words: “Come above, Hall, at once! The world is on fire!” I knew his meaning, and, quick as thought, I rushed to the companion stairs In a moment I reached the deck, And as the cabin door swung open, A dazzling light, overpow’ring light burst upon my startled senses!
Oh, the whole sky was one glowing mass of colored flames, so mighty, so brave!
Like a pathway of light the northern lights seemed to draw us into the sky�
Yes, it was harp-music, wild storming in the darkness; The strings trembled and sparkled in the glow of the flames
Like a shower of fiery darts.
A fiery crown of auroral light cast a warm glow across the arctic ice
Again at times it was like softly playing, gently rocking silvery waves, On which dreams travel into unknown worlds�
—Trad. Latvian folksong, Charles Francis, Hall and Fridtjof Nansen
What Cheer?
What cheer? Good cheer!
Be merry and glad this good New Year!
‘Lift up your hearts and be glad In Christ’s birth’, the angel bade, Say each to other, if any be sad: ‘What cheer!’
Now the King of heav’n his birth hath take, Joy and mirth we ought to make: Say each to other, for his sake: ‘What cheer?’
I tell you all with heart so free: Right welcome ye be to me; Be glad and merry for charity! What cheer? Good cheer!
What cheer? Good cheer!
Be merry and glad this good New Year!
—Richard Hill’s Commonplace Book, 16th Century
(Note: “What cheer?” was a commonplace greeting similar to “hello” or “how are you” in the 15th century.)
Selected Composer Focus
David Hurd (b. 1950, “A Stable Lamp is Lighted”) is widely recognized as one of the foremost church musicians and concert organists in the United States, with a long list of awards, prizes, and honors recognizing his achievements and expertise in organ performance, improvisation, and composition. From 1976 until 2015, David taught on the faculty of The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in New York City, eventually being named professor of church music and organist. For his work at The General Theological Seminary and for his substantial contribution to church music, four other seminaries have awarded him honorary doctorates. He has taught also at Duke University, Manhattan School of Music, Westminster Choir College, and Yale University. Since 2016, he has been director of music at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin (Episcopal) in Times Square. He studied in New York at The Juilliard School, the High School of Music and Art, and the Manhattan School of Music. His undergraduate music degree is from Oberlin College in Ohio, and he continued his studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Graeme Shields (b. 1992, “Gloria” from Rubrical Expressions) is a Canadian-American composer and organist whose influences range from the Lutheran music tradition to the experimental confidence of the avant-garde. His compositions, often exercises in dry humor and eccentricity, aim to articulate the mysteries of the past, the spirit, and the unknown. His music features repetition, audible process, stark juxtaposition, theatrical elements, and a bricolage approach to harmonic language. Through these features and influences, he has generated a body of work that breathes new life into ancient elements like old-world folk tunes. Graeme is an active member of the American Guild of Organists, having served on the boards of the Southwest Michigan Chapter (sub-dean) and the Fox Valley Chapter. He has also served as a board member of the American Center of Church Music. Graeme holds degrees from Western Michigan University and the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
Susan LaBarr (b. 1981, “Orion”) is an active composer and choral editor living and working in Springfield, Missouri. Susan has completed commissions for choirs worldwide, most notably Seraphic Fire, the National ACDA Women’s Choir Consortium, and the Texas Choral Directors Associations Directors Chorus. Central to her musical vocabulary is the knowledge she gained from studying with Alice Parker at the Composer’s Workshop and Melody Studies Workshop. Susan’s compositions start with the text. Inspired by Alice, she lives with the text for several weeks before adding rhythm, meter, or notation. “I am so guided by the text which gives me the mode, key meter, and rise and fall of the melody.” With a love for folk music, R&B, gospel, new broadway, and Sarah Bareilles as one of her favorite writers, Susan’s structure is often like a standard pop ballad. She is further influenced by the crisp choral writing of composers from Estonia and Scandinavia in the juxtaposition of joy wrapped in a cloak of sadness. Susan holds degrees from Missouri State University.
Flute
The 151st Annual Carthage Christmas Festival Participants
Wind Orchestra
James Ripley, conductor
Kaylynn Brewton, Beach Park, IL, music education
Jessica Golden, Greendale, WI, music/psychology
Addison Kelnhofer, Kenosha, WI, music education
Emma Lesko, Elgin, IL, special education/English
Mandy Nelson, Loves Park, IL, music performance/ criminal justice
Oboe
Laurel Brown, Kenosha, WI, psychology/Spanish
Bella Howard, Davenport, IA, communication/ sport business
Toby Staaden, Portland, OR, music education/performance
Clarinet
Riley Gaylord, Antioch, IL, music education
Maya Griffin, Marquette, MI, engineering/music
Hope Johnson, Big Rapids, MI, music performance/ computer science
Emma Lorenz, Bethalto, IL, nursing/Spanish
Grace Miller, St. Louis, MO, psychology/criminal justice
Mary Rivas, Spring Grove, IL, Spanish/secondary education
Bass Clarinet
Madison Bazylewicz, Waukesha, WI, music education
Bassoon
Neil DuJardin, Kenosha, WI, art/music
Jalen Imroth, Kenosha, WI, music education/chemistry
Saxophone
Ava Bartecki, Oak Forest, IL, accounting/dance
John Cargille, Pleasant Prairie, WI, music/computer science
Jana Paulsen, Antioch, IL, music education
Zach Shoemaker, Sun Prairie, WI, biology
Horn
Michael Aylward Jr., Darien, IL, music performance/ chemistry
Ella Christensen, Grimes, IA, musical theatre/Spanish
Lanie Klawonn, Kenosha, WI, public relations
Ellamae Monk, Kenosha, WI, nursing
Trumpet
Bailey Dobbratz, Rio, WI, data science/computer science
Nathaniel Esboldt, St. Francis, MN, economics/ computer science
Elliot Podratz, Bayport, MN, engineering
Luke Rodriguez, Des Plaines, IL, geoscience/paleontology
Trombone
Anita Gross, East Troy, WI, English/communication/ history/French
Matthew Hougland, Department Chair/ Musical Theatre
E. Edward Kawakami, Director of Orchestral Activities
Deborah Masloski, Piano
Corinne Ness, Dean, Division of Arts and Humanities
Mark Petering, Music Theory
James Ripley, Director of Instrumental Music Activities
Dimitri Shapovalov, Musicology
Production and Logistics
Aiden Benewich, VPA Event Staff Co-Lead
Lydia Berryman, Christmas Festival Faculty Fellow
Liv Bissonette, VPA Usher Team Co-Lead
Christie Burgess-Martino, Visual and Performing Arts Events Manager
Rita Davis, Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations
Alle Gourlie, VPA Box Office Lead
Ella Hale, VPA Event Staff Co-Lead
P.J. Hebbring, VPA House Management Team Co-Lead
Steve Janiak, Senior Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy
Liam Karth, VPA House Management Team Co-Lead
Jacqueline Kenny, Assistant Director for Web Content
Kim King, Marketing Manager
Emma Libecki, VPA Event Staff Co-Lead
Mike Love, Director of Media and End User Services, Livestream
Meggan Mazanet, Director of Auxiliary Programs and Business Management
Hunter Montano, Visual Storyteller
Olivia Nichter, Social Media and Digital Engagement Specialist
Jazlyn Oberg, VPA Usher Team Co-Lead
Angie Peterson, Executive Director of Donor and Constituent Engagement
Michael Polzin, Director of Public Safety
Eric Stepina, VPA House Management Team Co-Lead
Cole Stramer, Campus Recreation and Events Coordinator
Julie Thomas, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
John Voynovich, Webcasting Producer, Livestream
Liz Weiland, Director of Advancement and Alumni Programs
Jess Wicinski, Graphic Designer
Elizabeth Young, Vice President for Marketing and Communications
Audio and Lighting
Brian Ingwell with GoAudio
Aaron Zimmermann with Proline Entertainment
Special Thanks
Corinne Ness, Heidi Baehr, Debbie Clark, Peter Dennee, Carthage Maintenance, General Rental, Marissa Fisher, Joshua Bowles, Esmeralda Barajas,
Jackie Easley, Liz Snyder, Kate Potter Barrow, and Holy Communion Lutheran Church
Copyright Acknowledgements:
All hymns and ‘A Stable Lamp Is Lighted’ are reprinted here under CCLI license #23743715 and OneLicense #A-707559..
All other works are in the public domain or have been reprinted with permission.
john clay iii
Feb. 19 | 7:30 p.m.
H. F. Johnson Recital Hall
Acclaimed for his roles in Broadway productions like “Choir Boy” and “New York, New York,” and most recently seen in “Ragtime,” John Clay III infuses his performances with depth and authenticity. His compelling portrayals resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impact. Come see this Illinois native back at home!
March 30 | 7:30 p.m.
H. F. Johnson Recital Hall
Broadway sensation Alysha Umphress brings her dynamic vocals and charismatic stage presence to the spotlight in this one-night-only concert. Known for standout roles in “On the Town” and “Smokey Joe’s Café,” she delivers performances brimming with energy and soul.
The Carthage College Performing Arts Series is sponsored in part by the Racine Community Foundation.
Saturday, Jan. 31
Saturday, Feb. 7
Friday, Feb. 13
Saturday, Feb. 14
Saturday, Feb. 21
The arts at Carthage ignite passion, purpose, and possibility.
The Friends of the Arts Fund ensures students have the resources they need to create, perform, and thrive�
Elevate your support of the visual and performing arts by becoming a Leader in Philanthropy:
leadership giving society members give $1,000 or more cumulatively to any area of the College in the current fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30. Tiers within the society recognize higher levels of giving, and graduated giving levels are available for recent alumni. Membership is renewable annually.
enduring gift society members have cumulative lifetime giving totaling $100,000 or more (exclusive of estate commitments). Membership is lifetime.
alford park loyalty society members contribute any amount to the College for three or more consecutive fiscal years (July 1 through June 30). Tiers within the society recognize greater consecutive years of giving. Membership is renewable annually.
denhart society members have made Carthage a part of their legacy through estate commitments, planned gifts, and endowments. Membership is lifetime.
sustainers members demonstrate ongoing commitment by setting up recurring gifts that provide steady, reliable support for Carthage. Membership is renewable annually.
Learn more: carthage.edu/leads
fuel the future of the arts
Make a gift to the Friends of the Arts Fund and directly impact Carthage’s student artists� Help them bring their ideas to life, take the stage with confidence, and leave a lasting mark on our creative legacy
why i give
“Some of my most meaningful Carthage memories were made on choir tours — singing in beautiful spaces, bonding with fellow students, and feeling part of something bigger than myself. Those experiences shaped who I am, both personally and professionally. i give because i want today’s students to have that same opportunity to grow, connect, and be inspired — even if finances might otherwise stand in the way. Supporting the arts, especially the Carthage Choir, is my way of saying thank you and paying that gift forward.”
