A Season of Song

25 year annual NDSU tradition of performing Handel’s Messiah

There is a certain feeling when the leaves have mostly fallen, the winds begin to bite, and we feel that winter is drawing near. There is a quiet invitation to gather closer, to remember, and to lift our voices in song. For me, this season has always been deeply connected to my faith and to honoring the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Music becomes the vessel that helps me reflect on His life and feel closer to Him during this time of year. The harmonies, the texts, and the shared breath of singing together all seem to carry both warmth and reverence.

I am in the midsts of the preparation for this special time of year. This December, I’m grateful to be part of several musical celebrations. The NDSU Concert Choir will join with combined choirs and full orchestra to perform the traditional Handel’s Messiah December 4-6, 2025 at 7:30pm at First Lutheran Church on Broadway. Every time we sing “And the glory of the Lord” or the triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus, I feel the music echo the very joy and awe of Christ’s coming.

I’ll also be performing with the NDSU Madrigal Singers in our annual Madrigal Christmas Dinner on December 11-13 at 6pm in Festival Hall at the Challey School of Music. This cherished tradition is full of laughter, storytelling, and song—an evening that feels like stepping back in time to celebrate fellowship and joy.

And perhaps closest to my heart, I have the blessing of directing a multi-congregational choir that will offer three classic Christmas hymns and one contemporary Christmas piece during our worship service at 8:30am on December 21, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints here in Fargo. Bringing voices together across congregations, ages, and experiences has reminded me how music softens the hearts and unites us in purpose.

As we begin to enter this new Christmas season, may we sing not only for beauty, but to remember the reason for it all—to rejoice in the gift of LOVE given to all people on this earth. To me, this is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May our voices rise with gratitude, peace, and love as we celebrate the Light He brings to the world.