For nearly two decades, the School of Fine Arts has presented the Festival of Christmas (FOC) program to help students, faculty, families and others in the community kick off the holidays by “[celebrating] the season, both the joy and the sacredness of this time of year,” said Dr. Scott Holsclaw, dean of the School of Fine Arts. This year will be no different.
FOC also helps support the School of Fine Arts. Although students have free admission to the concert, a large number of people from the community pay to attend the event. The money raised from the $5 per-person ticket sales goes toward purchases for the school.
“Much of the money raised goes to help each of the departments in the school [of fine arts],” Holsclaw said. “[In the past], we bought equipment for JPAC, we have helped offset the cost of some of our performing groups and we continue to support all student programs with needed financial support in this time of budget concerns.”
Originally called “Ouachita’s Christmas Card to the Community,” FOC has been a running production since JPAC’s inaugural semester in the fall of 1992. Since FOC’s debut, Holsclaw has overseen the production quality and structure of the program.
“[My favorite part about producing FOC is] the connection I have with the students,” Holsclaw said. “I enjoy spending time with all the students that are performing and working diligently to produce a quality program in a very short time frame.”
nsembles performing include Concert Choir, Ouachita Sounds, Ouachita Singers, Women’s Chorus, Tiger Blast and the Festival of Christmas Pit Band.
he first half of the FOC performance focuses on secular music while the second contains more sacred songs.
ome of the secular songs include “Winter Wonderland Medley,” “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Carol of the Bells.” Sacred songs include “Breath of Heaven,” “O Holy Night” and “Mary Did
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ach have their favorite part about FOC and enjoy their practice time with friends.
“My favorite part [of FOC] is hanging out and being super cheesy with my friends for hours,” said sophomore Rachel Chapman.
ther students agree with Chapman, but note some of the practices’ accompanying difficulties.
“The hardest part has been how much time it takes [away] from my studies,” said senior Jonathan Stockman.
despite these difficulties, students say FOC has become an important event for the campus and community.
“Festival of Christmas is the kickoff to the Christmas season,” said junior Maggie Taylor. “People use it to get into the Christmas spirit.”
OC is scheduled to take place Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
“This is considered the best of the best,” Holsclaw said. “We have brought back all of the old favorites and it should just be a great kickoff for the Christmas season.”
