{"id":6687,"date":"2015-12-01T08:35:58","date_gmt":"2015-12-01T13:35:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/debmillswriter.com\/?p=6687"},"modified":"2015-12-01T12:47:11","modified_gmt":"2015-12-01T17:47:11","slug":"vcu-holiday-gala-a-christmas-family-tradition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/debmillswriter.com\/?p=6687","title":{"rendered":"VCU Holiday Gala – A Christmas Family Tradition"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Blog<\/a>Photo Credit: vcu.edu<\/a><\/p>\n

Christmas is near and with it come all the traditions that draw us closer . Since Nathan Mills<\/a>\u00a0first began performing with the VCU Guitar Ensemble, we became regulars in attendance to their concerts. The VCU Holiday Gala is our favorite. It is a fun and whimsical display of many of the musical groups at VCU.<\/p>\n

Professor John Patykula<\/a>\u00a0directs the classical guitar ensemble and it’s always a delight. The Holiday Gala begins with the guitarists.\"Blog<\/a>Professor John Patykula, VCU Guitar Ensemble\"Blog<\/a><\/p>\n

Various instrumental ensembles and choral groups take the stage in this fast-paced evening.\u00a0 With all the favorite musical pieces, twinkling lights, and colorfully clad\u00a0student musicians, it is a\u00a0feast for the eyes and ears – a sweet start to the Christmas season. We always sit as near to the front as possible, and every year, we are joined by others who do the same (some for every single year of the Gala).\"2014<\/a>\"Blog<\/a>\"Blog<\/a><\/p>\n

I would love to share video of the VCU Symphony Orchestra’s rendition of Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, under the direction of\u00a0Dr. Terry Austin<\/a>\u00a0– best performance ever. Since that’s not possible, you just have to come. For the moment enjoy the versions by the\u00a0United States Marine Corps Orchestra and Andr\u00e9 Rieu<\/a> ‘s Johann Strauss Orchestra. Until Friday night…<\/p>\n