On Dec. 3, not an empty seat was to be found in the Gussman Concert Hall at Lorton Performance Center. Together, TU Jazz Band students and TU Dance students put on A Holiday Medley of Song and Dance. It featured musical performances of classic holiday tunes with a special jazzy twist.
The program was opened by TU Jazz Band II under the direction of Rod Clark. They played three selections supplemented with vocals by Nina Underwood. TU Jazz Band I, directed by Vernon Howard, followed and performed selections such as Jingle Bells by J. Pierpont and Silent Night sung by TU alumni and current faculty member Sarah Richardson.
The finale of the concert was The Nutcracker Suite showcasing music written by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky arranged by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington. TU Theatre faculty members Jessica Vokoun and Gail Algeo choreographed a unique adventure for beloved holiday characters Sugar Plum Fairy and Ebenezer Scrooge, performed by Molly Dougherty and Corey Allcorn. They were joined by other Nutcracker favorites: waltzing flowers who trimmed a Christmas tree and swinging Russians sharing holiday goodies. Crista Patrick provided costumes that filled the stage with color. Together, it created an unforgettable holiday experience.
The concert ended in a standing ovation for all performers, and audience members left with their hearts happy and smiles spread wide across their faces.