Two concerts at Ashford University during the first weekend of December will help move audience members into the holiday spirit with a variety of seasonal and other musical selections. 

A fall concert by the Ashford University Wind Ensemble kicks off the musical weekend on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. in room A342 (the former Chapel) of St. Clare Hall. The Ensemble, consisting of Ashford students and community members, will play several Christmas selections in addition to several pieces of a more secular nature, according to Steve Little, director.

Among the Christmas selections will be “He is Born,” “Silent Night,” “A Canticle of Carols” and “Snow Chase.” Other works in the program include “Hickory Hills,” a march; “A Short Prelude with Perspectives” by John Caruso and an inspirational composition, “O, Magnum Mysterium.” The final work of the concert will be Jerry Bilik's “American Civil War Fantasy,” featuring many of the tunes of the era, as well as a “battle scene” with a surprise ending. 

A day later, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, the AU Choir’s holiday concert will feature a variety of music, both sacred and secular, for the Christmas season. The Choir’s 19 singers, directed by Dr. Rob Engelson and accompanied by Dr. Thea Engelson, will perform two large works in room A342. 

First on the program is “Gaudete” by Anders Ohrwall, a contemporary Swedish composer, a medley of ancient carols from a collection entitled “Piae Cantiones,” first published in Sweden in 1582. The second is “A Musicological Journey through the Twelve Days of Christmas,” arranged by Craig Courtney, in which each day of the familiar story is given a different musical treatment, from Gregorian chant to John Phillip Sousa. 

Admission to both concerts is free and open to the public. 

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.