Riverside, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2014) -- Musicians from the Collinsworth School of Music kicked off the Christmas season at California Baptist University by performing a variety of selections during chapel services Dec. 3.

The Jazz Band, conducted by Dr. Guy Holliday, began the festivities by performing a mix of seasonal songs as students walked into chapel.

"Christmas is a time of great traditions," Holliday said, as he talked about putting up lights and how excited children become. He then conducted the Concert Band, while Brett Vowell, director of chapel and compassion ministries, read "The Night Before Christmas."

Afterward, the University Choir lined the court of Van Dyne Gymnasium as they sang "Tiny Little Town of Bethlehem" a cappella before taking their places on risers.

Dr. Judd Bonner, dean of the School of Music, conducted the University Choir and Orchestra in songs such as "The First Noel" and "Joy to the World."

The choir and orchestra also performed "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," which is their most requested song, Bonner said. It is based on a poem by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Longfellow had suffered personal tragedy during the Civil War and after spending years wishing for peace, he wrote the poem "Christmas Bells," proclaiming "God is not dead, nor does he sleep."

The University Choir and Orchestra has several upcoming performances, including one at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at Life Church in Riverside and 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Magnolia Church in Riverside. Tickets for the Dec. 10 performance can be reserved by calling 951.343.4251.