Musicians bring the sounds and spirit of Christmas to CBU campus

Riverside, Calif. (Dec. 7, 2021) – Thousands enjoyed the joyous sounds and spirit of Christmas at California Baptist University as the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music celebrated its third annual Christmas celebration on Dec. 5 and 6.

More than 400 students and faculty participated in the two “Joy” concerts held in the Events Center.

While the musicians brought the sounds of joy alive, Dr. Joseph Bolin, dean of the School of Music, talked about the true joy of Christmas, saying the holiday event was held “to celebrate the central event in history: God sending His son to the world.”

The School of Music showcased groups including the University Choir and Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Wind and Jazz Ensembles, and Camerata.

Renowned artist faculty—Sheila E., Nia Allen, Bruce Sledge, Paul Jackson Jr., Vinnie Colaiuta, and Nathan East—also took the stage, performing songs such as “Feliz Navidad,” “Joy to the World” and “Holy Night of Angels.”

Other highlights included a rendition of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas classic, “Carol of the Bells (Christmas Eve/Sarajevo),” as well as “Sing We Now of Christmas,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Christmas Joy.” The Wind Ensemble performed “The Night Before Christmas” while Bolin read the famous poem by Clement Clark Moore.

The show “was so good, everything I expected and more,” said John Walsh, an audience member.

Jordyn Tilley, a film freshman, came to support her roommate who was performing with the Festival Choir.

“This concert put me right into the holiday spirit. It’s exactly what I needed before finals,” Tilley said.

Siera Morales, a music education freshman, sang in the performance.

“This show is made up of such beautiful compositions, beautiful music and makes for an overall beautiful night,” Morales said.