Two Ashford University music groups will help get the community into the spirit of the season when they present their holiday concerts on Sunday, Dec. 4.

The musical afternoon begins at 2 p.m. with a performance by the Ashford University Wind Ensemble under the direction of Steve Little. Included in the concert will be Christmas seasonal pieces by James Swearingen, Kevin Thompson and James Ployhar, an arrangement of the “Bach Air” by Anne McGinty, a flute solo with band by Al Cobine, played by first flutist Taylor Hepker and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” with the Ashford Concert Choir.

At 3:30 p.m. the Ashford Concert Choir’s performance will include two works from the Baroque era with string accompaniment: Marc-Antoine Charpentier's "Christmas Cantata" and Dietrich Buxtehude's "Magnificat." Soloists for the two works will be Ashli Foster, Soryia Sabir, Megan Wagner and Chelsea McBride, sopranos; Gwen Offerman and Elyce Bark, altos; Drew Minnick, tenor; and Joe Snyder, bass. The remainder of the program will consist of traditional Christmas carols in new arrangements. Robert Engelson, chair of the Ashford music department, is conductor of the choir; Christine Holmer is the accompanist. 

The public is invited to the free concerts being held in room A342 of St. Clare Hall on Ashford University’s Clinton, IA campus.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (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.