The Hamilton College Choir, The College Hill Singers, and College Chaplain Jeff McCarn were joined by members of the local and Hamilton College communities for A Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols on Sun., Dec 3 in the Hamilton College Chapel.
The chapel was decorated with candles, poinsettias, and a stunning christmas tree. The service, in celebration of Christmas, was split into nine Christmas lessons: “Called Forward,” “Gratitude,” “Community,” “Peace,” “Celebration,” “The Child,” “Messengers of God,” “Bethlehem,” and “The Light of Life.”
Each lesson was comprised of a scripture read by a Hamilton student or local clergy and a carol sung by the entire congregation or an anthem sung by one of the choirs, led by Jace Saplan. The songs and scriptures complemented each lesson’s theme.
Before the lessons began, the service opened with “Bach Prelude in E Minor BWV 533”, played exquisitely by organist Sungmin Kim ’18, and Gregorian chant “Veni Emmanuel” sung flawlessly by Paul Magnus ’18.
Although the service was inherently Christian, choir members and community members of all denominations enjoyed the music and the company. One highlight was the passing of the flame preceding the “Light of Life” lesson. Listening to the classic carol “Silent Night” while looking around at the chapel filled with over a hundred candles was a beautiful moment.
During the more popular carols, including “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” and “Joy to the World,” a great sense of community filled the chapel. Kim accompanied all of the carols with ease.
The choirs reprised some of their greatest hits from their Fallcoming concert, and their Carols, Lullabies, and Love Songs concert on Saturday night. A memorable moment in the service was the College Hill Singers, a select chamber ensemble of singers within the Hamilton College Choir who performed of “On to Bethlehem Town.” College Choir member Nick Walters ’20 arranged “On to Bethlehem Town” and Kim conducted, so the group was particularly connected to the song, which featured soloists Olivia Hack ’18, Megan Buiocchi ’20, Samuel Alderson ’21, and Jake Lanning ’21.
Another highlight from the College Hill Singers was their performance of “Grace Before Sleep” by Susan LaBarr during the “Gratitude” lesson. The acoustics of the chapel combined with the intricate harmonies of the sounded angelic.
The Hamilton College Choir filled the chapel with energy as they sung “Tshosholoza,” a South African folk song. The enthusiasm of the choir was evident as they bounced to the beat of the music with smiles on their faces. The song was fitting for the first lesson “Called Forward” as its lyrics translate to “Go forward from those mountains on this train from South Africa! You are running away from those mountains on this train from South Africa!”
A softer but equally notable moment for the Hamilton College Choir was their performance of “A la Nanita Nana,” a traditional hispanic Christmas carol. The choir’s dynamic contrast throughout the song was remarkable. As “A la Nanita Nana” is also a lullaby, the peace and tranquility in the chapel after the song was palpable. Thus, it was fittingly included in the Peace lesson.
Additionally, the choirs led all of the carols, an impressive feat considering the fact that some choir members were sight reading certain carols from their hymnals for the first time ever. Both choirs were accompanied on piano and drum by faculty member Jesse Sprole.
Following the service, attendees gathered in the Chapel Lounge for a delicious cookie reception. Overall, Sunday’s Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols was a joyful place of gathering for Hamilton students, parents, faculty, and community members to celebrate the start of a wonderful holiday season.
