ON CAMPUS AT VANGUARD:

The music ensembles of Vanguard University are practicing for the 11th annual musical performance of classic carols and masterpieces at Christmas Fantasia 2007. The concerts will take place on Monday, Dec 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, and on Friday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. at St. Andrews’ Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach.

Christmas Fantasia is under the musical direction of James Melton, dean of the school of communication and the arts at Vanguard University. Melton is a guest maestro with Carnegie Hall in New York.

Fantasia features the university’s Concert Choir, which has performed three of the last five years at Carnegie Hall.

Christmas Fantasia is an annual Christmas celebration that showcases the musical talents of students at Vanguard University.

Next to commencement in the spring, Christmas Fantasia is one of the biggest events of the year for the university, with rehearsals beginning as early as August. It is also a major event for the community, with more than 2,400 people attending last year’s sold-out performances.

“Many people tell me that they mark their calendars well in advance, looking forward to getting into the Christmas spirit by attending Christmas Fantasia,” Vanguard University President Murray Dempster said.

“Fantasia’s presentation of traditional and contemporary songs of the Christmas season features an amazing array of gifted singers and musicians who showcase their exceptional talent, their sterling character and their vibrant faith,” he said.

The evening will feature Vanguard’s diverse range of musical ensembles: the Concert Choir and Orchestra, Women’s Chorus, Jazz Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Vanguard Singers and Band, and the Barbershop and Beauty Shop Quartets.

These groups are world travelers, having completed tours of Europe, Mexico, the South Pacific, Japan, China, South Korea, Canada, Portugal, and throughout the U.S.

This year’s performances will appeal to a variety of musical tastes, with classic melodies, modern favorites and hidden treasures combining to create a distinctive selection that matches the diversity of Vanguard’s music program.

The students and faculty look forward to collaborating every year on this event, as it serves as an opportunity to connect with the community while also raising support and awareness for Vanguard.

The locations are also a factor in the continuing success of the concert.

This will be the second year that Christmas Fantasia will be held at the nationally renowned Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts and the 10th year at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.

Each of these venues offers impressive acoustics and an atmosphere that complements the seasonal music being performed.

The remarkable talent, the variety of music, and the stunning venues are not the only appeal of Christmas Fantasia, however.

From the beginning to the end of the concert, students interact with attendees by escorting them to their seats, communicating through the songs, and engaging in student interviews throughout the performance.

It is this format that makes Christmas Fantasia distinct from other concerts offered during the season because it gives attendees a glimpse into the community of Vanguard University.

“It showcases the high caliber of the students attending the university and gives the community the opportunity to meet many of the committed and talented people who study and work at Vanguard,” said Dave Elliott, associate vice president for university relations.

Maintaining this atmosphere for such a large production is not an easy task, but Vanguard’s music department has been successful by making it a priority to keep the students interacting with the audience in every aspect of the performance — showing that while Christmas concerts are in abundance during the holidays, only Vanguard University’s Christmas Fantasia can give attendees both a musical and community experience.

For tickets or more information on Christmas Fantasia, please visit www.vanguard.edu/christmasfantasia or contact the music events office at (714) 662-5272, or via e-mail at concerts@vanguard.edu.