It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Concordia’s Music Department is orchestrating a symphony of festivities. From Segerstrom concerts to TV specials, the Music Department is making sure everyone feels the Christmas spirit. This year’s highly anticipated PBS production, "Navidad-A Concordia Christmas," aims to honor the vibrant Latinx culture and traditions.

“This year we are exploring our unique place in the world here in Southern California,” said Bil Hood, Senior Director of External Operations. Hood serves as the Director and Producer of the PBS special and has been a part of Concordia’s Christmas productions since the beginning.

Hood’s 20-year background in video production, web content and event management for companies such as Disney, Microsoft, Starbucks and Nintendo has made him well-equipped for his role as director. Yet even with this experience, the task of showcasing the immense talent of Concordia’s diverse music program within a one-hour time slot remains a challenge.

“All of the challenges of PBS are actually more like opportunities,” said Hood, “How do we keep it fresh and original? How do we make sure that we tell the story the way we want to while staying within the boundaries that PBS has set?” Despite the tight production timeline and TV regulations, the team has found creative ways to let its stars shine bright through its theme of “Navidad,” which sheds light on the unique Christmas traditions of Mexican culture. 

Student group Nuestra Voz and the Hispanic Serving Institute (HSI) have been working closely with Hood to ensure their heritage is well represented on screen. Alumni of Christ College, Rev. Carlos Velazquez, and his church have also been in communication with the video team, collaborating and contributing ideas on how to best display their culture. They agreed to host a “Los Posadas” event on Nov. 11, where people from all cultural backgrounds were welcomed to join in a video shoot featured in the TV special. Held at St. Paul’s in Orange, Concordia students performed music for nearly 100 people who participated in the fiesta. 

Majo Insuasti, a rising star in the Music Department, wrote an original song for the production that is sure to be a showstopper. Titled “Little Boy of Bethlehem,” the song seeks to understand the humility of Christ in His birth on Earth. “What stands out to me about Majo's song is the beauty of the lyrics,” said Mason Wong, the guitarist on her piece, “The lyric writing carries the weight of the truth and you can feel that by the way she sings it.”

Wong, a guitarist and cello player on multiple featured pieces, emphasized the musical diversity of this year’s production. From traditional folk music to electronic dance pop, it “stretched our creativity,” he said. Though challenging, this diversity better equips Concordia’s musicians to enter the industry. “Having these new 'tools' helps expand my sonic palette going forward,” Wong explained. 

Amidst the filming of the PBS production, another event has been in the works. On Dec. 9, at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, thousands of audience members will be brought into the Christmas spirit by the orchestras, choirs and handbells of the Music Department at Concordia. With an astounding 200 musicians across eight ensembles, Concordia Christmas Navidad: A Journey to Bethlehem is one of the most highly anticipated and elaborate concerts within the Music Department's season. 

Under the direction of Dr. Michael Busch (Director of Choral and Vocal Activities), Dr. Jeff Held (Director of Orchestral Activities), Dr. Clarissa Shan (Adjunct Voice Professor) and Erik Der (Community Engagement Manager), audiences can expect to hear joyful music of the holidays, featuring familiar classics and new arrangements of traditional Christmas hymns. The 4 p.m. performance is sold out. However, tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance are available and can be purchased by visiting scfta.org/events/2023/concordia-christmas. 

The joy of Concordia Christmas can also be experienced by watching the televised production “Navidad: Concordia Christmas” premiering on Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal. Serving as our fourth annual made for television Christmas special, “Navidad: Concordia Christmas” will also be available across various local and national PBS stations. 

“Both Segerstrom and PBS are incredible platforms to showcase the incredible talent our students have,” said Hood, “They also give us an opportunity to share the joy and hope of Christmas with very large audiences.” Through the collaboration of the Segerstrom Concert Hall and PBS SoCal, the gifts of Concordia’s music students will help bring thousands into the holiday spirit and the joy of Christmas. 

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