WCU’s Wells School of Music Presents the 104th Annual Holiday Program on Saturday, December 6
Festive Program Includes WCU Pops Orchestra with Grand Chorus, WCU Symphony Orchestra,
and Criterions Jazz Ensemble
West Chester University’s treasured 104th Annual Holiday Program returns on Saturday, December 6, at 3 p.m. in the 1,200-seat Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall in the Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester. A beloved tradition for over a century, this year’s program promises an expanded, joy-filled celebration featuring new collaborations, seasonal favorites, and memorable musical moments. Tickets are $15, and advance purchase is strongly recommended at https://wcupatix.com/schoolofmusic.
The program showcases hundreds of student musicians from across the Wells School of Music, bringing together an impressive roster of ensembles: the WCU Symphony Orchestra, Mastersingers, Criterions Jazz Ensemble, Concert Choir, Oriana, and the Grand Chorus, which will appear in two major features—first with the Symphony Orchestra and later with the Pops Orchestra. Winter-themed songs, including Winter Wonderland, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and Let It Snow, will fill the hall with festive and cheerful new and traditional favorites.
Audience members will also enjoy a special pre-concert treat: the rare opportunity to hear the hall’s historic Skinner organ, performed by organist Sándor Kádár, in a spirited program of carols and holiday improvisations.
Returning for its second year, the WCU Pops Orchestra will once again energize the program—and for the first time, it will join forces with the Grand Chorus for a powerful, immersive finale designed to bring the concert to a dazzling close.
Director of Jazz Studies and Director of the Criterions Jazz Ensemble, Jonathan Ragonese,
says, “Each year, this concert is the one opportunity to see most of our Wells School
of Music students onstage together. The WCU Pops Orchestra performed together for
the first time last year, and the response was incredible. Bringing them together
with the Grand Chorus for the finale takes that energy to an entirely new level.”
Each year, a faculty panel selects one exceptional student soloist to perform O Holy Night. This year’s soloist is Vocal Performance major Julia Webster ’26.
As always, Asplundh Concert Hall will be transformed with lush greenery, seasonal lighting, and vibrant poinsettias, creating a warm and inviting winter setting that reflects the spirit of one of WCU’s most cherished traditions.
Parking is conveniently available across and along the street from the Philips Memorial Building in G Lot, in M Lot beside the Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, and in the Sharpless Street Garage. A campus map is available at wcupa.edu/campusMap. Due to the program’s popularity, advance ticket reservations are strongly encouraged.
West Chester University’s Wells School of Music offers students exceptional training in performance, musicianship, music education, composition, music therapy, history, technology, and production. Its state-of-the-art facilities include 22 Steinway pianos, a historic Skinner organ, a Roland digital piano lab, advanced technology labs, and multiple world-class rehearsal and performance spaces. Students learn from distinguished faculty who balance active professional careers with deep dedication to teaching. Graduates of the Wells School of Music go on to thrive as educators, performers, composers, therapists, and artistic leaders regionally, nationally, and internationally.