‘Gifts of the Season’ Christmas concert set at St. Joseph Catholic School
It’s Christmas time on the St. Joseph Catholic School campus – and the school jumps into full holiday mode Sunday, Dec. 10, for the popular annual concert “Gifts of the Season.”
Guests will see and hear student musicians, singers and dancers perform a wide selection of holiday music. The one-show-only event will start at 2 p.m.; admission is free, with guests asked to donate canned goods to help feed those less fortunate.
“Our students have been practicing for weeks in anticipation of this annual event,” said Conor Bell, the St. Joe band director. “They are so excited to be able to perform such great seasonal music and to help bring the Christmas season alive.
“This is always a popular event at St. Joe, and this year will be no exception. This family-friendly concert will put a smile on your face. It’s also a chance to watch our talented performers – musicians, singers and dancers – show what they can do.”
St. Joseph Catholic School, founded in 1870 by the Sisters of Mercy, offers seventh- through 12th-grade students of all faith backgrounds a rigorous college prep curriculum grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church.
St. Joe, 308 New Mannsdale Road in Madison just west of the Interstate 55-Mississippi 463 interchange, is accredited by the Mid-South Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – the accrediting arm of COGNIA.
“Gifts of the Season” is one of several events and programs that the St. Joseph Catholic School Fine Arts Department oversees every school year. Many take place in the school’s state-of-the-art Fine Arts auditorium.
Earlier in November, students produced the stage play “On the Tip of My Tongue.” Next April, students plan to stage the spring musical, “All Shook Up,” an American jukebox musical with songs from the Elvis Presley songbook.
In May, the Fine Arts Department will end the school year with the annual “Celebration of the Arts” featuring a spring band and choral concert as well as the senior art show.
Besides featuring student musicians, singers and dancers as part of the “Gifts of the Season” concert, the Fine Arts Department also will sell hand-crafted Christmas ornaments that art students created.
In addition, guests can visit Joesy’s, a store in the Fine Arts building that features student-created art for sale. The store also is open by appointment if guests don’t have time to visit while attending “Gifts of the Season.”
“Our Fine Arts Department and the programs we offer give students a chance to discover and develop talent they didn’t know they had,” said Dr. Dena Kinsey, St. Joe’s principal. “If you see any of the productions our department stages, you will know what I’m talking about.
“Student musicians, singers and dancers look forward to ‘Gifts of the Season’ every year,” she said. “They have been working tirelessly behind the scenes preparing for this event. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us this year.”