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By JENNIFER JABLONSKI Staff Writer Ask around campus what Christmas music is and you'll hear answers ranging from "the boring stuff they play in stores over and over" to "the singing at church Christmas Eve." Ask students at USC's School of Music, and you'lf hear "Christmas Music Festival" mentioned a lot. a i as music ensemoies siari rehearsals for the annual festival, it's hard not to hear about it Nine different ensembles, with one alone boasting a membership of more than 300, will perform in the hourlong concert program at 4 p.m., Dec. 8 at Carolina Coliseum. 'The festival is a popular annual event It's a fast-paced presentation of a variety of ensembles and 1 ,1 ^BTuMMB @ f ! BUY Q | LIZARD CORNELL ARf buy ONE meal and g( (Does r OFFE ^ FOR I music, both popular and classical," said Festival Coordinator William J. Moody, a music professor. The festival hasn't changed too much since he organized the first one 19 years ago, Moody said. Local weatherman Joe Pinner has traditionally emceed the program, because "of his personal warmth /\f TTCP M caiH OlIU aujjpui l \JL 1TXVAAIJ JUIU. "It was harder to organize the first year, just because of all the planning. The festival is the biggest audio production in the city," he said. The coordinator said the timing of each part of the performance is crucial to keep the continuity of the program going. "As soon as one group finishes the last note of their part of the performance, the next one has to ,3-\ ^ sfoM* o4 xu r f I I W7^?*\ mmAS prmr iMMMiaa NE, GET ONE Please bring this coupon t( 'S THICKET, 921 SUMTER i/IS BUILDING (across from ;t SECOND meal of equal c lot include beverages or d< n UOOU bVtHY LJAY 4KIV1 EAT-IN ONLY. NO CARRY < Expires 12/31/91 be in place and ready to go. That can be hard if you're in a few different bands. You might end up doing some sprints in the Coliseum halls to get to your next place in time," said symphonic band saxophonist Kevin Jones, a music education sophomore. Although some festival planning is done throughout the year, most of the ensemble rehearsals and preparations for the program are done in DfTPmtvr MnnHv taiH This can pose a problem for "getting the forces prepared in time, so close to the end of the semester, but everything always manages to come together well," Director of Bands James K. Copenhaver said. 'The Marching Band and Symphonic Band enjoy participating Do sometl Feel some) from now on in America, on/ definition of ( fo find out how fou can help in four commi O Point F O U I J ^(ri jl FREE! S > ! STREET o HORSESHOE) g >r lesser value FREE! g asserts) "Z -10PM OUTS. if I because the program's really a gift from the School of Music to the community," he said. If attendance is any indication, the community appreciates this gift "Every year, it's packed. I used to bring my kids early to get a good seat," said Telina West, secretary of bands. Moody recommends spectators show up about a half-hour before the performance in order to get prime seating. "Plus," he added, "the Tuba Christmas starts about 3:30, entertaining the arriving crowd." Tuba Christmas is an ensemble of about 40 tubas and euphoniums from USC and the Columbia area. Other programmed instrumental groups include the Steel Drum ling good, thing real. ) successful life must include serving ethers. 1% col I (800) 6715515. s of Light m M D A T I O N (SuKl rl? f W 1lis r ? * m t: i Band, Left Bank Big Band and the orchestra. The Dance Company will perform "A Viennese Christmas" with music by the orchestra. The Philharmonic Chorus, ConPKnir on/4 Pomlina A lii/A \i/i 11 tVi L V^IIUU UIIU VCUV/Ulia MUT V TV 111 sing a wide range of works as well, Moody said. "I know I wouldn't miss it," said Brenda Elliott, a 43-year- old mother from Lexington. Elliott has taken her family to the event for three years. "I love all the color and loud music in the finale," she said. "It's wonderful." "It's really a shame more students don't go. It's free, and it really puts you in the Christmas spirit," West said. O How We Need You! If you have O type blood, you are rare and O so special. Give the gift of life, nrr DT Anni Uivc DLWUL/; + * American Red Cross South Carolina Regional Blood Services