It’s a phenomenal way to kick off winter break and a great way to get into the holiday mood. There’s festive music, which makes it a great way to celebrate the end of the semester and share in some joy.
Back on campus for a Bridgewater State University holiday tradition, Daniel Alves, ’24, enjoyed the event from the audience this year, instead of the stage.
“I feel it’s important for people to come and see what the (BSU) Music Department is doing. This concert provides two hours of good community fun,” he said. Alves, who teaches music at Plouffe Middle School in Brockton, has fond memories of performing in the event as a student.
December 12 marked the eleventh year the Music Department has hosted the Holiday Extravaganza, a seasonal celebration that gives students in the Trumpet Ensemble, Social Justice Choir, Pop Vocal Ensemble, Chorale, African Drum Ensemble and Wind Ensemble, the chance to perform for the campus community holiday classics and favorites.
The event is free, but donations are accepted to create scholarships that support music majors.
“Our students get to perform with and for each other in a relaxed atmosphere and the Extravaganza brings the whole community together,” said music Professor Donald Running. “It’s not just a concert, but a chance for students to showcase their skills, to collaborate across ensembles, and to experience the joys of sharing music with their peers and the wider campus and region.”
This was the fourth year Delaney Hughes, ’27, a music education major, participated. She played in both the wind ensemble and flute choir. Knowing this was her last time on the stage was bittersweet. She and other performers filtered into the lobby outside of the Rondileau Student Union Auditorium after the show to snap photos.
“My favorite part is that I’ve gotten to (play) with all my friends in the music department. It’s kind of sad to say goodbye to all the seniors,” Delaney said. “I can’t believe this is my last one before I head off to Florida for my student-teaching internship.”
For fellow music education major Stratos Bonos, ’26, what makes this concert so unique is how many BSU ensembles are included. Typically, each ensemble hosts its own, smaller concert, but the Extravaganza includes everyone.
“BSU is known for a lot of great things, we are typically known as a teaching school, or for aviation and cybersecurity, but we also have a great music department. This gives us the opportunity to showcase the fact that there is more here,” Stratos said. “I love that we’re able to come together and show the community what we do.”
The concert is also a great way to recruit new students.
“It lets students see what we have to offer. A lot of people don’t realize how many opportunities there are,” said Sofie Lopes, ’26, a music education major with a pre-music therapy concentration. “You don’t have to be a music major to join an ensemble. If you know how to play or sing (no matter what your skill level) you can join any ensemble. They are open to everyone. It’s a great way to get involved musically and have fun.”
Students say the concert also provides some much-needed positive energy as the campus prepares for finals week.
“It’s a phenomenal way to kick off winter break and a great way to get into the holiday mood. There’s festive music, which makes it a great way to celebrate the end of the semester and share in some joy,” Delaney said.
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