Glorious Sounds of the Season

Glorious Sounds of the Season is an annual scholarship fundraising concert held by the Tell School of Music. Dr. Jeffrey Gemmell, assistant professor/coordinator of choral studies and founder of MU’s Glorious Sounds of the Season concert talks about the event, “The concert includes over 30 individual musical acts representing every facet of the Tell School of Music. Over 300 students and faculty perform, including singers, instrumentalists, large ensembles, small ensembles, commercial groups, solo acts, and everything in between.”

“Selections are presented in a ‘surround sound’ format with performers positioned throughout the hall. The music is continuous, with rapid-fire seamless transitions between numbers, and all are controlled with lighting cues and feature continuous motion for momentum. With no intermission or applause between selections, the total length of the show is usually less than 90 minutes,” Gemmell explains.

Gemmell predicts everyone will leave the show ready for the holidays. “A strong Millersville tradition, this concert always sells out as people return year after year to recharge their holiday spirit. The energy and pacing, delightful selections, and quality performances will inspire everyone and provide hope for a brighter future.” 

The preparation for this event begins in the summer when Gemmell begins researching music to include in the show. He then incorporates student-led groups throughout October, including a cappella ensembles like Chromatic and VilleHarmonics, as well as various instrumental groups. The final show is a mix of choral numbers and performances by the school’s wind bands, orchestra, jazz, and other instrumental ensembles. The show also includes solos by students, faculty, and rock bands from the school’s commercial music programs.

Gemmell looks forward to the production and witnessing the audience’s joy throughout the concert. “This year’s GSS promises to be ‘glorious’ on every level, especially with a large variety of music from many different holiday traditions. The audience sing-alongs are always my favorite. It’s so much fun to hear the audience sing out with such gusto.”

All profits from the show benefit the students directly through student scholarships in the Tell School of Music program.

The students that are the recipients of the 2024 Glorious Sounds of the Season Scholarships include

Silas Gross - Sophomore
Yusuf Miller - Sophomore
Jillian Dolan - Sophomore
Caitlynn Shaffer - Sophomore

Kaiya Boll - Junior
Sydney Rauchet - Junior
Shane Geisel - Junior
Patrick Boyer - Junior 
Katelyn Tipton - Junior
John Zirpoli - Junior
Cesar Rangel Muñoz - Junior
Colin Miller - Junior
Enrique Angeles - Junior

Tehya Walters - Senior
Luke George - Senior
Kylie Calogero - Senior
Abigail Wieder - Senior
Michael Basile - Senior

Ensembles, organizations, and students that have participated in Glorious Sounds of the Season include:

The A440s - Student Band
Barkley Cove - Student Band
Cantilena Womens Choir - Dr. Jeffrey Gemmell, Director
Chamber Strings - Drs. Madeleine Darmiento and Vera Volchansky, Directors
Chorale - Dr. Jeffrey Gemmell, Director
Chromatic - Michael Asprea, Music Director
Concert Band - Drs.Christy Banks and Joseph Cernuto, Directors
Flute Ensemble - Professor Morgann Davis, Director
Green Elf Band - Dr. Barry Atticks, Director
High Class Brass - Student Organization
Jazz Ensemble - Professor Ryan Kauffman, Director
Jazz Lab Band - Dr. Joseph Cernuto, Director
MU Steel - Professors Paul Murr and Stephen Goss, Directors
MU Orchestra - Dr. Vera Volchansky, Conductor
Professor Martinez and Friends - Professor Brandon Martinez, Faculty
Saxophone Ensemble  - Professor Ryan Kauffman, Director
Trombone Studio - Professor Steve Shiffer, Director
Tuba Euphonium Ensemble - Dr. Jennifer Jester, Director
University Choir - Dr. Jeffrey Gemmell, Director
VilleHarmonics - Cameron Malone and Nina Bonanno, Music Directors
Wind Ensemble - Dr. Joseph Cernuto, Director