Popular ‘Gifts of the Season’ Christmas concert set for Dec. 11 at St. Joe
MADISON, Miss. (Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022) – St. Joseph Catholic School’s popular Christmas concert “Gifts of the Season” returns to the school’s Fine Arts theater stage for one performance only Sunday, Dec. 11.
Student musicians, singers and dancers have been rehearsing for weeks to stage the annual seasonal production that will feature traditional and contemporary holiday music. Admission to the 2 p.m. concert is $10; doors open at 1:30 p.m.
“This is something I look forward to every year,” said Ronnie Russell, the St. Joe band director who oversees the annual production for the school’s Fine Arts Department.
“This is a family concert that will put a smile on your face and place you and your family in the Christmas spirit,” he said. “And the fact that talented St. Joe students are performing makes this event that much more enjoyable and meaningful.”
St. Joseph Catholic School, founded in 1870 by the Sisters of Mercy, offers seventh- through 12th-grade students of all faith backgrounds a rigorous college prep curriculum grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church.
St. Joe, 308 New Mannsdale Road in Madison just west of the Interstate 55-Mississippi 463 interchange, is accredited by the Mid-South Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – the accrediting arm of Cognia.
“Gifts of the Season” is one of several events the St. Joseph Catholic School Fine Arts Department stages every school year in the state-of-the-art Fine Arts auditorium.
Last month, students staged “A Christmas Story”; in the spring, they will stage the musical “Footloose.” In May, the Fine Arts Department will end the school year with “Celebration of the Arts” featuring the spring band and choral concert as well as the senior art show.
“Our well-rounded Fine Arts program offers students a chance to discover and develop talent they didn’t realize they had,” said Vicki Runnels, who chairs the Fine Arts Department. “Attend any of the productions or concerts, and you will see what I mean.”
“Gifts of the Season” will feature performances by student musicians and singers in Grades 7-12 who are involved in both the band and choir programs. The Spirit Steppers, the award-winning St. Joe dance team, also will perform on stage.
Before the concert and during intermission, guests will be able to purchase hand-crafted Christmas ornaments created by art students. During intermission, guests also will be entertained by impromptu music performances in the lobby.
Guests also can visit Joesy’s, the Fine Arts Department store in the Fine Arts building that sells student-created artwork. The store also is open by appointment if guests don’t have time to visit while attending “Gifts of the Season.”
“’Gifts of the Season’ is not to be missed,” said Dr. Dena Kinsey, St. Joe principal.
“These student musicians, singers and dancers have been working so hard behind-the-scenes preparing for this event. When you see it all come together on the big stage, it’s well-worth the trip.”
Here is a look at St. Joseph Catholic School’s annual Christmas season concert.
THE CONCERT: “Gifts of the Season,” St. Joe’s annual Christmas concert featuring student musicians, singers and dancers.
THE TIME: One performance only, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, in the St. Joe Fine Arts auditorium; admission is $10.
THE STORE: Joesy’s, a store in the Fine Arts building that sells student-created artwork, will be open the day of the concert.
THE ADDRESS: 308 New Mannsdale Road in Madison, about a mile west of the Interstate 55 Madison exit. Click here for a map.
ATTACHED PHOTO CUTLINE
Student musicians practice for the 2022 edition of “Gifts of the Season.” The annual Christmas concert returns to the stage at St. Joseph Catholic School in Madison for one performance only – 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. The Christmas concert will feature student musicians, singers and dancers performing traditional and contemporary Christmas favorites. The concert will be in the St. Joe Fine Arts auditorium on the school campus, 308 New Mannsdale Road in Madison. Admission is $10. Pictured here are, front row from left, Lauryn Blue, Anya Klein, Melanie Moody, Angela Bethea and Lauren Abadie. In the back: Atticus Gomez, left, Lockard Williams, Mary Lee Topik, Jameson Clancy and Madalyn Weisenberger.