Campus is alive with music as students prepare to lift their voices and instruments in a powerful evening of worship, artistry and community by showcasing what they have diligently worked on. So, grab your friends and come to Christ Chapel on Saturday, October 4 at 7:00 p.m. to be part of a beautiful musical experience at the annual Fall Showcase Concert.
The concert will highlight four of NW’s DeWitt Music Department’s musical ensembles – the A Cappella Choir, Women’s Choir, Symphonic Band and Orchestra. The performance will give audiences a chance to experience the rich diversity of NW’s ensembles and to hear a little taste of what each group uniquely provides.
The A Cappella Choir, directed by Dr. Holm, rehearses faithfully Monday through Thursday with about 40 singers. A typical rehearsal begins with warm-ups and moves through three pieces, polishing details as performances approach. The choir’s repertoire this fall includes a moving piece based on the biblical story of David mourning the death of his son Absalom. With its emotional depth and soaring harmonies, the piece invites singers and listeners alike to reflect on God’s presence even in times of grief.
In Symphonic Band, under the direction of Dr. Carlson, each rehearsal typically covers about three songs. One of the band’s highlights will be “An American Elegy” by Frank Ticheli, written as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the Columbine High School tragedy. When speaking with junior worship arts major about the piece, Gavin Higgins said, “I like it because it is a tribute song to the Columbine shooting, and with the recent events of the last few weeks, it is a good unifier.” The piece carries both beauty and weight, serving as a reminder of music’s unique power to bring people together in the midst of sorrow. For the Symphonic Band, playing music is about worship. As Higgins also said, “Symphonic Band is a diverse community of Raiders from across campus that come together to worship the Lord through music.”
The Orchestra, also directed by Dr. Carlson, has roughly 20 members who rehearse every Tuesday. Seniors in the ensemble are given the special opportunity to request pieces, adding a personal touch to the group’s repertoire and honoring their commitment to music-making during their years at Northwestern.
The Women’s Choir, directed by Cindy Moeller is also a beloved favorite, and having grown in membership this year compared to last year, we know it will be a stellar performace as always.
This concert is more than a performance—it is a celebration of community. Whether through the haunting story of David and Absalom, the healing strains of An American Elegy, or the joy of student-requested orchestral works, the showcase promises to move both heart and spirit.
Audiences are warmly invited to attend this free concert. It will be an evening to remember: four ensembles, one stage, and countless ways to encounter beauty, meaning, and God’s presence through music. Don’t miss this chance to support Northwestern’s musicians and experience the energy, artistry, and worship they bring to every note.
Northwestern student Abigail Tilberg playing the flute.
