From December 4-6, Houghton College will host the ninth annual Christmas Prism. The event will take place in Houghton, as well as Rochester and Williamsville, a change from last year’s venue in Hamburg. This year’s theme is “Celebrate the Prince of Peace!” which, according to the dean of the Greatbatch School of music Armenio Suzano, intentionally suggests that this year’s Prism will be a time of worship as well as an opportunity to experience a beautiful performance. Suzano, who replaced Stephen Plate as Dean and Director of the Greatbatch School of Music this year, said “If we have not touched the hearts and spirit of the audience, we have not done our job…People for miles around know that Houghton students are talented musicians, but that’s not the main point, here. The point is to worship the Creator of the universe.”
When asked who will be performing this year, Suzano answered “Everybody!” In addition to the classical groups that have performed in previous years (including Men’s and Women’s Choir, College Choir, Symphonic Winds, and the Symphony Orchestra) the 2015 Prism will include two, more contemporary groups: Gospel Choir and Houghton Singers. Suzano describes this decision as an opportunity to expand the horizons of Prism by including music which has generally not been included as part of the canon. He is excited for the fresh perspective that these groups will bring this year.
Along with the additions to the musical ensembles are several relatively new faculty members directing and conducting this year. Graduate Music Coordinator Kelly Van Kirk, Suzano, professor Sarah Luebke, and associate professor Adam Luebke were all brought on as faculty within the last two years. Malcolm Bell, a graduate student, will also be conducting Gospel Choir. Suzano believes that the number of new faculty will affect Prism positively, as they will be able to see it with new eyes and therefore take a fresh approach. The faculty and students, he said have been praying regularly for Prism’s ministerial success as well as its technical, musical success. Suzano also compared the role of Houghton’s musicians to that of the Levites, who performed holy service in the tabernacle of the desert and in the temple. He said the focus of this year’s performance is not meant to be on the performers, but rather on experiencing God through the music.
In addition to the musical experience of Prism, there will be an upscale dinner served on Saturday night for those who purchased the thirty dollar tickets. Phyllis Gaerte, Alumni and Community Director, said the dinner is always a beautiful experience with delicious food and a Christmas ambiance. While parents and alumni are the primary people who attend, students are encouraged to come and enjoy the pre-Prism celebration as well. Gaerte says the experience is well worth the extra cost.
For students looking for a break before plunging into finals, this year’s Prism will certainly be on the top of the list.