Community Christmas Concert Announced

A special Christmas concert for Barbour County, planned in conjunction with the Covered Bridge Christmas activities sponsored by the City of Philippi, is scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 4 p.m. at the Philippi Baptist Church on Church Street (by the Courthouse Square). The Barbour County Community Christmas Concert will feature performances of Christmas and seasonal music by a variety of musical groups from across Barbour County as well as a community choir organized for the occasion. Admission for the concert is free. The previous years’ concerts were great successes; the organizers intend that this year’s concert continue that success and continue a fine community tradition.

Worship teams, small groups (duets and trios) and choirs from Barbour County churches are invited to perform a selection or two of Christmas music. Instrumental solos or small vocal or instrumental ensembles not associated with churches are also welcome. The coordinator for the event and director of the community choir is Dr. Judson Bracey of Philippi. Groups/persons should indicate their interest in performing by contacting Bracey by phone (304-457-1359), email (bracey457wv@gmail.com), or mail (120 Allegheny Ln, Philippi, WV, 26416). He encourages pastors of churches to make recommendations to him. Appropriate Christmas and seasonal sacred and secular music of all styles is quite welcome. This concert will be a showcase for groups who are already preparing music for their own worship presentations or other community performances.

A community choir is being organized to present a few choral selections to end the concert, and persons interested in participating in a choral music experience are invited. All music will be provided, and there is no special performance apparel required. There is no audition, and no formal musical training is required. Singers should have good “musical ears” and be able to carry a part. Rehearsals are scheduled for the following Sunday afternoons at 3:00-4:30 p.m. at Philippi Baptist Church: November 3, 10, 17, and 24, and December 1. Singers are requested to attend all rehearsals; exceptions can be negotiated with Bracey.

The Barbour County Community Christmas Concert is an opportunity for citizens to gather to make and enjoy music from this special season. All inquiries should be directed to Jud Bracey (contact information provided above).