MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The WVU College of Creative Arts and Media (CCAM) is excited to announce that it will be hosting four separate holiday performances in honor of the Christmas season. In addition, on Nov. 10th at 8 p.m., they will be presenting a free, non-ticketed saxophone performance with WVU’s saxophone professor, Jeff Siegfried, at Bloch Hall.
“His (Jeff Siegfried) full-time gig is being here, teaching our students everything he knows about saxophone, and helping them explore their artistry in that,” Jamie Whoolery, Assistant Dean of Production, Presentation, Operations, and Cultural Engagement for the College of Creative Arts and Media at WVU, said. “Tonight, he is presenting his faculty recital, which is apart of what the faculty are expected to do. They don’t want to just tell them in the classroom. He’s actually going to show them tonight.”
As far as the holiday events, on Dec. 1st at 7:30 p.m., the “NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet” will be kicking the festivities off. This performance will be held at the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre, and will feature an international cast, whimsical puppetry, and opulent costumes and sets.
Following that event, on Dec. 3rd at 7:30 p.m., WVU Choirs will be hosting their holiday special, where all of the choirs that WVU offers, ranging from community to top-auditioned, will be in attendance. Lots of fun holiday tunes and sing-along’s will be played at this event. It will take place at the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre, as well.
“The choir program, overall, offers something for everyone,” Whoolery stated. “The community choir, that is primarily a non-student group. Some members of the Morgantown community come in and participate in rehearsals weekly. They prepare works just like our students who are here studying for it. It’s just an activity that they like to participate in, so we offer that for them. They will be a part of this concert. Mountaineer Singers is a top-auditioned ensemble. Most of those students, if not all, are music majors, so that would be the top-level singing ensemble. Then, there are other choirs, who are not auditioned that any WVU student is eligible to participate in.”
Next, running from Dec. 13th through 19th, WVU will be partnering with the West Virginia Public Theatre to present “It’s A Wonderful Life”. This will occur at Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre.
Last, but not least, the CCAM will be providing the “Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular”, which features dazzling illusions, grand-scale magic, and festive surprises. This will take place on Dec. 22nd at 7:30 p.m.
“Lots of stuff going on here,” Whoolery said. “There’s something for everybody. We also feel that experiences are the best gift, so now would be a great time to pick up an early Christmas gift for someone, as well.”
Those interested can get tickets online for all events at go.wvu.edu/ccam-events, or call the box office at 304-293-SHOW for in-person ticket purchasing Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.