The Music of Christmas
By Joyce D. Sohl
“Something about a song is nearly irresistible in that it reaches both the mind and the heart, the former with meaning, the latter with beauty.” Kay Collette
The music of Christmas indeed can be, and often is, irresistible. It can evoke laughter or tears, joy or sorrow, It can stir up memories of Christmases past, even those from your childhood. The music of Christmas provides us with images of snowmen, sleigh rides, wise men, Santa Claus, roasting chestnuts, mangers, love of family and friends, and a baby in a stable. Our ears are also attuned to the sounds of bells, of the rush of shoppers, and you may be able to even hear in your head Bing Crosby crooning “White Christmas,” if you are old enough that is.
Christmas at Scarritt Bennett Center is filled with music. This year we have singers, songwriters, choirs, organist, violinist, oboist, pianist, and readers of poetry. Our music will be classical, traditional, jazz, country, folk, and even some old Appalachian songs. It will all be performed in the beautiful Wightman Chapel at 1:00-1:30 pm on the dates and with the performers listed below.
December 2 Sherry Cothran, singer and songwriter
December 3 Belmont University Chamber Singers
December 4 Andrew Risinger, organist
December 9 Kelli Cox and Friends, jazz musicians
December 10 Marilyn Thornton, vocalist and violinist
December 11 Spirituality of Advent/Christmas with poetry and music
(Kevin Madill, John Arnn, Connye Florance, Mark Wingate, Jaime Zito,
Caroline McReynolds Adams, and Joyce Sohl)
December 16 Dewayne Pigg, oboist and Steve Lindsey, pianist
December 17 Amy Williams, pianist
Let the music reach your mind with meaning and your heart with beauty. Let the music enrich your holiday. Come and join us for the music of Christmas!
Joyce D. Sohl has been Laywoman-in-Residence since 2009 as a full-time volunteer. She retired as CEO of United Methodist Women in 2004. She is the author of 4 books, a teacher, retreat leader, writer and non-professional musician. Here at the Center her work is in the area of Spirituality & the Arts with such programs as Tuesdays in the Chapel, Vespers & All That Jazz, Poet’s Corner, and quarterly retreats and art exhibits.