‘Gifts of the Season’ returns to St. Joe
MADISON — St. Joseph Catholic School’s popular annual Christmas concert “Gifts of the Season” will return to the Fine Arts Auditorium at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5.
Ronnie Russell, band director at St. Joe who oversees “Gifts of the Season,” said it is great to be back in the Fine Arts Auditorium to present the free show after last year’s in-person show was canceled.
“This is one of the most popular events we produce every year, so it’s great to have it back on the big stage,” Russell said. “With last year’s in-person concert canceled, we are expecting a huge crowd on both days. You’d better arrive early to find a good seat.”
While admission to the show is free, St. Joe requests each guest bring at least one canned food item for the school-sponsored effort to help replenish food banks at St. Richard Catholic Church in Jackson and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Canton.
“Gifts of the Season” is one of several events the St. Joe Fine Arts Department stages every year in the state-of-the-art Fine Arts auditorium. Others include a fall semester play, an annual stage musical, a senior art show and a spring concert.
The Christmas concert will feature performances by student musicians in grades 7-12 involved in both the band and choir programs. The Spirit Steppers, the award-winning St. Joe dance team, also will perform on stage.
Before the concert and during intermission, guests will be able to purchase hand-crafted Christmas ornaments created by art students. During intermission, guests also will be entertained by impromptu music performances in the lobby.
Dr. Dena Kinsey, principal at St. Joe, said the student performers have practiced non-stop for most of the semester to prepare for “Gifts of the Season.”
“The concert highlights our talented students and shows the strength of our Fine Arts program,” Kinsey said. “It’s great to be able to return this year with a full-fledged concert in-person in our Fine Arts auditorium. I am so proud that our student musicians, singers, performers and artists will be able to showcase their work for everyone to see.”
“Gifts of the Season” is located in the St. Joe Fine Arts theater at 308 New Mannsdale Road in Madison, about a mile west of the Interstate 55 Madison exit.
For more information, contact the Fine Arts Support Team (FAST) at fast@stjoebruins.com, or call the school office at 601-898-4800.