Story by Antonio Lucero

Friday, November the 13th was proved not  so unlucky after all for the performances of the  Festival of Thanks held in the New Mexico State University  Music Recital Hall.

More than 130 choir members participated in the Festival of Thanks to set the tone for upcoming seasons and holidays.

A holiday tradition

“We do this every fall, even though it’s a little early for Christmas,” said choir event coordinator Kelsey Wymore.

The concert included five participating choir groups: The University of Singers (composed of university music majors), Master Works Chorus (which is both NMSU students and community members), Concert Choir, Chrimson Chord Company (consisting of all male NMSU students) and new section Crimson Voices.

Singers performing in the NMSU Festival of Thanks bring holiday joy to the campus. (Photo by Antonio Lucero)

This year’s event coincided with Thanksgiving to remind people that there is much to recognize and give thanks for.

“There are terrible things happening in the world, but it’s important to give thanks for the things in our lives,” said Choral Director Jerry Alt.

Although all choral groups sang traditional holiday songs, the Crimson Choir Company gave somewhat of a comedic relief to the concert. In addition to its performance of “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” the singers  added humorous choreography to give literal translation to the song.

“It’s just a little holiday concert we do; it’s got a lot of great music,” said Wymore, “It’s going to be a long concert.”

The choir performed to a nearly full house. In addition to the performances, audience members also had a chance to sing with the choir for the last song  “Hallelujah.”Alt also recognized graduating seniors and thanked them for all their work throughout the years.

Choral ensembles require auditioning for non-music majors.