20 Years of Glorious Sounds of the Season

In its 20th year, the annual Glorious Sounds of the Season event featured more than 30 musical acts from the Tell School of Music.

Three performances of the annual holiday concert were held on Dec. 6 and 7, with ticket sales topping 1,800 and generating just over $50,000 in revenue. Proceeds from the concert benefit student scholarships and program development at the Tell School.

“To recruit the strongest students to the Tell School of Music, certain sizable scholarships are awarded to talented students,” says Dr. Jeffrey Gemmell, assistant professor/ coordinator of choral studies, who is the founding producer of Glorious Sounds of the Season. “At least 20 smaller scholarships are awarded every year to students who maintain a high grade point average, participate fully and provide leadership for Tell School. Students receive these financial gifts to use in whatever way benefits their education the best, including living expenses, textbook costs and more. Funds are set aside for use by the Tell School for recruitment and programming ventures to build the strongest program possible.”

This year’s concert featured more than 300 students and faculty, including singers, instrumentalists, large ensembles, small ensembles, commercial groups, solo acts and “everything in between,” says Gemmell. “Our students perform so beautifully, with such heart, energy, enthusiasm and feeling, that one can’t help but catch the holiday spirit,” says Gemmell. “The vast variety of holiday repertoires and performers is quite distinctive — how often do you hear an entire School of Music perform in one concert? — and there’s truly never a dull moment!”

The musical event includes audience participation with sing-alongs that have become a beloved tradition. Gemmell mentions that Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah is a fan favorite, bringing hundreds of returning audience members to engage with holiday celebrations and witness the brilliance of student performances.

Millersville alumni also hosted a Holiday Maker’s Market from 3 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 6, creating a holiday shopping experience filled with unique, handcrafted goods from local artisans, students and community vendors.