University choir to present 'Lessons and Carols'
2-minute drill
A quick chat with a holiday newsmaker
Ushering in the Christmas season, the Benedictine University Concert Choir, Concert Band, Chamber musicians and faculty members present "Lessons and Carols" this weekend at St. Procopius Abbey.
The service's music will include "O Holy Night" by Adolph Adam and "Night of Silence" by David Kantor.
Marc Stingley, in his first year directing the Concert Choir, talks about the experience and his enthusiasm for music of all genres.
Stingly, a professional singer with degrees in voice and music education, is a voice instructor at the Lisle college and has taught classes pertaining to the voice the past eight years.
Q. How would you describe "Lessons and Carols" to someone who has never attended the service?
A. It is a wonderful service that tells the story of the Nativity in nine lessons read by faculty members, including university President William Carroll. After each biblical reading, the band will play or we will sing a song pertaining to the lesson. It is a blend of beautiful music and readings leading to the birth of Christ.
Q. What types of music and accompaniment will take place?
A. There is the band, organ, flute, piano, oboe and voice, with different combinations of instruments and singers.
There is a wide style of music from vastly different time periods. "Go Tell It On The Mountain" is a traditional hymn that I don't think we even know who the composer was because it is that old.
There are pieces by Handel composed in the 18th century, as well as an "Ave Maria" written by Nancy Galbraith a year and a half ago.
Q. Is experiencing this type of service better than simply listening to a CD?
A. Hearing a live performance, no matter what style of music, is no comparison to a recording. Then having it at the abbey (with) its acoustics makes it really special. This is sharing beautiful music.
Q. How do you select the songs the choir will perform?
A. We start with the library we have and I come up with a long list of songs appropriate for this service. I passed out that list to the members and let them circle what they were interested in doing. The final list comes from that combined effort.
Q. What is your favorite song the choir will perform?
A. My favorite is a new piece that we have not done before at this service. It is "Mary Did You Know," arranged by Jack Schrader. All the choir members were really positive about singing this song.
Q. When the choir is performing at its best, what is happening to make it the best?
A. Above all the technical things we work on and the vocal techniques we practice, it is ultimately all about singing passionately.
Q. Are only music major students in the Concert Choir?
A. We have majors, non-majors, faculty and staff as members of the choir. I am trying to encourage more people to get involved. The music majors we have are great students and really helpful to those with less experience. The choir is open to everyone.
Q. What song sticks in your head most often?
A. Being a voice teacher, that varies every day. I deal with so much music; it tends to be more the music I am working on. It could be the catchy tune I just heard from a student or it can be a piece for next week's concert.
Q. How did your upbringing lead you to a career in music?
A. My mother was a singer who put family first, and I applaud her for that. She certainly had a gift and encouraged that in me.
Q. What kind of music do you like best?
A. I come from a classical background for the most part, but my listening tends to take me away from what I am working on at that time. I like listening to all different kinds of music. I am a firm believer in the cliche, "there are only two types of music -- good and bad."
Q. Is there a message in the program for patrons to take home with them?
A. The main message we bring forth is the birth of Jesus. I encourage people to come and listen to the beauty of the music no matter what their beliefs or faith.
-- Joan Broz
If you go
What: Benedictine University presents "Lessons and Carols," a Christmas service
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: St. Procopius Abbey, College Road at Maple Avenue, Lisle
Cost: Free
Details: (630) 829-6320 or ben.edu