HAMPTON-The Performing Arts Department at Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC) is holding its first in-person performance since pandemic precautions ceased large gatherings in 2019. The free winter concert, “Sing For Joy,” will be held at 7pm, Tuesday, Dec. 7, at First United Church of Christ, 1017 Todds Lane.
“It’s a celebration of in-person performances again at Thomas Nelson,” said Diane Drury, a professor with TNCC’s music department who is managing the event.
The event will present music by Handel, Vivaldi, Haydn as well as Duke Ellington, along with a few Christmas carols. Drury said the concert will offer a wide variety of a cappella and big band short pieces with an emphasis on ensemble.
“The chorus ensemble will have five singers in it, five very good singers, very musically skilled, experienced singers,” said Drury in a press release. The concert will include 11 pieces, most are about two or three minutes long. The concert itself will last roughly 50 minutes with no intermission. Masks are required, and the performers will be wearing them as well.
Since the pandemic, the TNCC has held virtual concerts, which proved cumbersome for the performers. “They couldn’t hear other singers around them,” said Drury. “It was really a daunting thing, but because they did that, their voices have improved. They’ve really grown as singers because of that experience.”
To learn more about TNCC’s performing arts department as well as other academic and workforce development programs click here.