11am "Sing Christmas!" Choral & Orchestra Cantata Experience
Join us for a Special Christmas Celebration!
Experience the joy, wonder, and glory of the Christmas story through music as our choir presents this special presentation titled "Sing Christmas!" by Joel Raney & Mary McDonald. This exceptional musical cantata weaves together beloved carols and powerful new songs into a vibrant tapestry of worship. With themes of "Sing Joy, Sing Noel, Sing Emmanuel, and Sing Gloria," this musical journey invites you to celebrate the birth of Christ with awe and thanksgiving. Performed by our talented Christmas Festival Choir, accompanied by piano and a beautiful string ensemble, this service will immerse you in the sounds of the season. All are invited to attend this inspiring service filled with beautiful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and the timeless message of hope and love. Come and let your heart “Sing Christmas” with us as we prepare to welcome the Christ Child into the world. Sing Joy...Sing Christmas!
Learn more about the musicians below!
Orchestra
ACCOMPANIST
Philip Nichols
VIOLIN I
Sarah Geiger
VIOLIN II
Isabel Letona
Julie Kemp
VIOLA
Margaret Jones
Sydney Yerra
Claire Philips
CELLO
Arav Manne
Philip Nichols - Accompanist
Philip is honored and excited to be a part of the music ministries at Arcola UMC. Born and raised in the United Methodist Church, Philip started playing piano with his local praise band when he was in middle school. Including accompanist positions and volunteer work, he has been playing in the Church for over 10 years. Philip holds a B.A. in Piano Performance from West Virginia University and a M.M. in Piano Performance and Literature from Florida State University and currently teaches piano from his home in Herndon, VA. His hobbies include playing Bach, DIY projects, and cooking.
Sarah Geiger - Violin I
Ms. Geiger's musical journey began at the age of 3 when she started violin with the Buffalo Suzuki Strings. She earned a BA and an MA in Music education from Ithaca College. Currently, she teaches for Loudoun County at Farmwell Station Middle School, and also coaches Chamber Orchestra club. She enjoys bringing students into the community for real-world music experiences, and collaborating with other schools.
Outside of school, Ms. Geiger is active in the Northern Virginia music scene as an adjudicator and clinician for All County Orchestra, Solo and Ensemble, and State Assessment events. She is currently the conductor of the Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra (LSYO) Prelude Strings ensemble, and is also on the board of directors as secretary for The Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestra (TCSYO). Ms. Geiger plays professionally with the Maestra Ensemble and the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra in the first violin section.
Izzy Letona - Violin II
My name is Izzy Letona and I've been playing violin for almost seven years! I have always enjoyed classical music as a kid, and started playing piano at the age of five years old and have thrived through flute, which then led to violin. Music has always felt like a strong connection to freedom and a good escape when I need moments to feel like myself again.
Julie Kemp - Violin II
Julie started playing the violin in second grade and continued through high school. She returned to playing in her 30s, eventually, joining McLean orchestra and some other small civic groups. She played regularly for her church in Springfield, Saint Johns. In most recent years, she has enjoyed playing with the Praise Band Joyful Noise, where she commonly writes her own parts. She enjoys all genres of music!
Claire Phillips - Viola
Claire started playing viola in 2020, in her 6th grade virtual orchestra class. The gorgeous sounds of string instruments, the good friends in orchestra class, amazing teachers, and receiving her grandmother’s 100+ year old violin are just a few things that fuel Claire’s enthusiasm for playing viola. Playing viola has also encouraged Claire to dabble in violin, piano, and guitar. Claire has enjoyed learning and performing with Arcola UMC’s Summer in the Arts program, Minton’s Academy of Music, and has also performed at the 2024 Crossroads Music Festival.
Sydney Yerra - Viola
I've been playing for about four and a half years now, starting in middle school and playing right up to now in my sophomore year. I love playing viola because we, along with the cellos, make up the body of the music and give it a depth and richness that the violins alone can't always provide. I also love the mellow sound of the viola. Currently, I'm organizing a small Christmas concert of my own at a nursing home with my friends.
Margaret Jones - Viola
Margaret Jones has been playing the violin since the age of 5 and added the viola to her repertoire three years ago. She is currently a member of the Chamber Sinfonia at Independence High School, served as an accompanying violinist for Arcola's production of Beauty and the Beast this past spring, and is thrilled to celebrate the music of the season playing viola alongside the Choir Cantata.