Hi everyone!

For those of you who have continued to read this blog throughout the semester, THANK YOU! I have had a ton of fun having the opportunity to write for bLAb and I look forward to doing so again beginning in January.  I have thoroughly enjoyed working on my own writing and providing the Siena College community with a look inside to what the School of Liberal Arts has to offer.

Tonight, I attended my last event of the semester, A Festival of Lessons in Carols, which was put on by the Siena College Creative Arts Department.  This Advent Prayer Service featured the incredible talents of the Siena College Chorus, Chamber Singers, and the Psalm 150 Ministry, alongside the expert teachings of Tim Reno and Kate Kaufman Burns.  The chapel was jam-packed when I arrived, so much so that extra chairs had to be set up for more audience members! There were Christmas decorations everywhere and an absolutely beautiful manger was constructed on the altar.  Christmas is truly one of my favorite times of year and to be able to take an hour from studying and working on finals was such a relief! The audience was invited to join in on several of the songs along with the chorus and there was such a sense of community and happiness in the room, despite just how busy this entire week has been.

The talent during the service was amazing, from the vocals to the instrumentalists, to the speakers, each member of the audience truly was drawn in by the songs.  My favorite piece by far was “Joy to the World,” particularly for the trumpet solos that rang throughout the chapel among the other instruments.  Each note was blended perfectly and I was so happy to see several names of Siena alumni listed in the program as performers.  This time of year really is one that brings people together with a sense of peace and love and as a senior, I am so glad that I was able to be a part of this.

Were you able to attend this service? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

Julia

Student Intern