ON CAMPUS AT VANGUARD:’Christmas Fantasia’ has tunes for all tastes

The nationally acclaimed music ensembles of Vanguard University are prepping for “Christmas Fantasia,” a unique university event that brings the season to life through song on Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, and on Friday, Dec. 8, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach.

“Christmas Fantasia” is an annual Christmas celebration that showcases the talents of students involved in the music program at Vanguard University.

Next to commencement in the spring, “Christmas Fantasia” is one of the biggest events of the year for the school, with rehearsals for some songs starting as early as August.

According to James Melton, dean of the school of communication and the arts, the event was designed primarily with the community in mind. “We wanted the collection to showcase a variety of music to fit the audience,” Melton said.

The overall performances will guarantee something to please everyone, with classic and modern favorites, in addition to some hidden treasures for all different musical tastes, creating a distinctive selection to suit the purpose behind the event.

“Since it is not just a typical Christmas concert, it needed more sounds,” Melton said.

Putting on a Christmas concert has been a tradition in the music department for years, but it took a new approach when it was named “Christmas Fantasia” in 1997.

At that time, the event consisted of performances of traditional Christmas songs from the concert choir and orchestra. Since then it has grown and flourished, now featuring performances from a diverse selection of musical ensembles, including the Women’s Chorus, Jazz Ensemble, Vanguard Singers and Band, and the Barbershop and Beautyshop Quartets.

Each of these groups has performed nationally and internationally at more than 300 venues, with locations ranging from Mexico, the South Pacific, Japan, China, South Korea, Canada, Portugal, as well as many states nationwide. Nearly 400 members of the various choirs performed by invitation at Carnegie Hall in New York this past spring, showcasing the quality choral program.

With such wide performance experience, it should come as no surprise that the students and faculty participating in the music program are excited to present “Christmas Fantasia,” one of the most important musical events of the year.

The venues are also a major factor in the concert’s success. This will be the first year the event will be held at the nationally renowned Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. That concert takes place on Thursday, Dec. 7. The music will also be presented at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach on Friday, Dec. 8. Each of these venues offers the acoustics and atmosphere that most complements the music of the season that will be performed.

The amazing talent, the variety of music and the stunning venues are not the only appeal of “Christmas Fantasia,” however.

Because the format of the evening is focused on allowing students to connect with the audience — whether through song or through one-on-one interaction — the audience is ultimately given the opportunity to connect with those involved.

According to University President Murray Dempster, the celebration is more than a showcase of the talent contained within the stellar music program; it is also a reflection of the individuals behind those talents.

“In their presentation of traditional and contemporary songs of the Christmas season, this amazing array of gifted singers and musicians will not only showcase their talent but their sterling character and vibrant faith,” Dempster said.

From the beginning of the concert, with students escorting attendees and interacting with them to the actual performance that allows participants to communicate through the melodies and student interviews dispersed throughout, the entire event focuses on the audience.

It is this format that makes “Christmas Fantasia” distinct from other concerts offered during the season.

“Christmas Fantasia gives the audience a feel for Vanguard,” Melton said.

What makes this even more of an accomplishment is the fact that the department has been able to maintain this cozy atmosphere despite the dynamic growth of the overall event throughout the past 10 years.

“We’ve been able to keep it intimate with the active participation of students,” Melton said.

Ultimately, the goal is to give back to the supporters of the university, as well as to give the community a glimpse into what makes Vanguard University so unique.

Because of this, anyone attending will be able to hear the astounding talent from Vanguard University, connect with the participants at a personal level and gain a unique perspective of Vanguard University’s community as a whole.

“Anyone can go to any Christmas concert,” Melton said. “But at ‘Christmas Fantasia’ you can get both the Vanguard and Christmas experience.”

For tickets or more information on “Christmas Fantasia,” contact the music events office at (714) 662-5272, or via e-mail at [email protected].