Holiday music by WSC and high school choirs will be featured December 5-6, 2025, in the Peterson Fine Arts Building. Tickets are required.
Indulge in a “Night of Wonders” with holiday music and sweet treats at Wayne State College’s Cocoa and Carols events Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5-6, in the Peterson Fine Arts Building. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Tickets are $12 each, with a generous sampling of cookies, candy, and cocoa provided. Orders are accepted through Nov. 29. All sales are final with no exchanges or refunds. Limited seating is available.
Dr. Matthew Armstrong, professor of music and director of choral activities at Wayne State, directs performances by the WSC Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Fortis, and Lyrica with piano accompaniment by Shelly Armstrong, Wayne State’s collaborative pianist. Guest performances include the Wayne High School Jazz Choir, directed by Tracy Anderson, on Dec. 5; and the Pender High School Choir, directed by Brandi Kolbeck, with Wayne State student teacher Josie Mikoloyck of Scottsbluff, on Dec. 6.
Traditional holiday repertoire mixed with cheerful selections and songs of joy define the “Night of Wonders” events. A jazzy “Winter Wonderland,” a spirited “Pennies from Heaven” from the movie “Elf,” and a moving rendition of “Love Came Down at Christmas” set to an Irish melody comprise the Chamber Choir’s performance.
The Concert Choir delivers a beautiful arrangement of the Nancy Buckley poem “Wonder,” a modern adaption of the ancient text “O magnum mysterium,” and the celebratory Jewish folk song “Hava Nagila.” Fortis sings “Dreamer” by Ozzy Osbourne, an anthem of peace and unity, and Lyrica delivers the triumphant “Hodie Christus Natus Est.”
All choirs then join voices to form the WSC Choral Union, performing the stunning Basque carol “The Angel Gabriel,” the majestic “Gloria” from Franz Joseph Haydn’s Harmoniemesse, and the classic hymn “Silent Night.”
For more information, contact the Wayne State Department of Music at 402-375-7359.