Stacey Walker
\nIn Motion Staff Writer<\/p>\n
For the 33rd<\/sup> year in this festive month, the Daytona State College News-Journal Center presented \u201cOur Gift to the Community Showcase,\u201d\u00a0 a variety show incorporating theater, music and dance into almost two-hour extravaganza.<\/p>\n While the event highlights programs in the Mike Curb College of Music, Entertainment and Art, locals look to it as a signal the season has really arrived.\u00a0 Doug Peterson created the show and has orchestrated it since its inception.<\/p>\n His enthusiasm, even after all these years, rest on the fact that, \u201cWe present high quality productions throughout the year in the areas of music, theatre, and dance. Most of our productions have a small admission fee that contributes towards offsetting a portion of the costs necessary for supporting our programs.<\/p>\n \u201cMany years ago, I proposed a holiday event that would bring together all the moving parts of our department to celebrate the season and give back to the community we serve.\u00a0 \u2018Our Gift\u2019 showcase has become a holiday tradition and is known throughout our service area.\u00a0 Each year, many patrons comment that our program has become their holiday tradition.\u201d<\/p>\n As usual it was a \u201csold-out\u201d show, with the standing-room-only crowd displaying their excitement and enjoying Christmas carols sing-a-long such as, \u201cHark the Herald Angels Sing \u201cand \u201cWe wish you a Merry Christmas!\u201d\u00a0 Even from the balcony seats, attendees could see nothing but happy, smiling faces exiting at the end of the show. As they made for the door, many were commenting that they were now in \u201cthe holiday spirit!\u201d<\/p>\n Highlights of the night included from \u201cA Christmas Carol\u00a0 \u2013 The Musical,\u201d \u201cSleigh Ride,\u201d \u201cI saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause\u201d and \u201cSanta Baby,\u201d that last Eartha Kitt classic sung by Director of Theatre Samantha Stern.\u00a0 At the end, she gave Santa a big kiss!\u00a0 (spoiler alert<\/b>:\u00a0 who was actually her real-life husband in costume.)<\/p>\n Soprano Pamela Hanson-Peterson, who teaches music appreciation and group piano at DSC, sang two traditional Christmas Carol arrangements with the symphonic band, including \u201cIn the Bleak Midwinter.\u201d\u00a0 Her voice was stunning, but \u201cthe Bleak\u201d was a little dreary for so festive an occasion.<\/p>\n Included in the cultural showcase was the Concert Choir and Symphonic Band. All participants were directed by Mike Curb College faculty, including Dr. Peterson conducting perfect rhythm, the Theatre Ensemble directed by Professor Stern and the Concert Choir and Jazz Singers directed by new faculty member Dr. Jean Hickman.<\/p>\n Abe Alam, Director of the Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo and guitar instructor, played ac appella guitar solo and conducted the band.<\/p>\n Even after three decades, Dr. Peterson likes to add variety and this year he featured comical relief from the musical, \u201cELF.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cFireside Christmas\u201d jump-started everyone\u2019s holiday mood with a background of snowflakes falling and two sopranos singing a smashing finale. The accompanying children in their pajamas added a warm and fuzzy feeling throughout the show.<\/p>\n Though known for his giving to the community,\u00a0 Dr. Peterson still has a Christmas wish. He would like to see more students participate in arts programs, even if they are not an art major. He said such activities add enrichment to people\u2019s lives, adding that \u201cI enjoy watching students become successful in the arts and staying in touch with them.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Stacey Walker In Motion Staff Writer For the 33rd year in this festive month, the Daytona State College News-Journal Center presented \u201cOur Gift to the Community Showcase,\u201d\u00a0 a variety show incorporating theater, music and dance into almost two-hour extravaganza. While the event highlights programs in the Mike Curb College of Continue reading Holiday concert gift that keeps on giving for 33 years<\/span>