Gusties, it’s winter again. Which means it’s time to perpetually feel cold. And…It’s Christmas in Christ Chapel season!
It’s time to decorate the big (like, huge) church on the Hill with lasers, lights, and artwork galore, and fill the seats to the Chapel’s brim. It’s time to sing, play, and speak vast and holy anthems of season’s tidings, and to bond as Gusties—from alumni to current students to prospectives— in a way no other event on campus can do.
The 5,000 or so people who witness this event every year often remark on how well done it is. In fact, Heroic Productions, our livestream partner, has won multiple awards for their impressive productions of the event.
And…this year’s CinCC was my last one. It feels weird to reflect on that, and I even became a little emotional during that momentous final rendition of O Come All Ye Faithful, where so many of us performers cry—a LOT. More on that below.
Preparing for these services and performances is every bit as involved as you’d imagine. The musicians first come together in one space two days before Thanksgiving break. This first rehearsal in the Chapel is a quick out-of-order run-through of most of the music. Since we haven’t played together as an ensemble, it’s a good, laid-back way to hear all our parts together for the first time.
The next day, we head home to eat turkey…and stuffing, green beans, pie, salad, dinner rolls, and so on. By the time we return to Gustavus, though, things intensify considerably during a three-hour marathon rehearsal on Sunday evening. (Keep in mind that all this is unfolding as we, like all Gusties, are also gearing up for finals.)
At this point, we add two key components: the scripture readings performed by our chaplains, and the portions of the program that feature contemporary dance. This is the first rehearsal where we sync the music with these elements.
Second, the Sunday rehearsal is where the Heroic Productions team first wields its magic. While the full light-and-color show isn’t set up yet, they still test out some of the video cues and progressions. This includes the dreaded close-up camera shot, during which, at any time, someone might swoop into your section with a massive camera on their shoulder. One must work to avert the temptation to stare directly into the camera and blurt a “hello” to the thousands of people watching the livestream. (Believe me, it’s hard to resist. The camera is literally right there.)
One other thing the Sunday rehearsal is known for is an ugly sweater contest, which is exactly what it sounds like. This year’s winner? The Oregon Ducks. (Sorry, UO.) By Thursday, we’re ready for the final dress rehearsal in our formal attire, and this year, we actually welcomed around 100 prospective students from area high schools to watch the dress rehearsal.
So, how did it feel to play my last CinCC?
Everything was normal for the first three days. It was big, it was fun, and it had all of the majestic, audacious songs you expect from the production (save for a sudden divergence into Holtz’s Planets. Fun!).
The fourth and final concert was when it became more emotional. Unlike many attendees and performers, I’ve never been one to sob the minute the three trumpets ring into the first note of O Come, All Ye Faithful. But this time, I was struck teary-eyed while soaking in the Chapel from my unique vantage point, one last time.
I’ve become incredibly attached to Christ Chapel. In addition to CinCC, I spent my first two years at Gustavus rehearsing my GSO music in the venue three times a week. It’s my favorite place to play cello, and like my fellow performers, I will miss it dearly.
I have no idea whether or when I will perform there again. And if this was the last time, it was exactly what Christmas in Christ Chapel is supposed to be: Big, emotional, sometimes a little wackier than the typical Gustavus concert, and deeply moving. I hope you enjoyed watching the show as much as we all have enjoyed playing it for you.