Baylor School of Music Christmas Concert Season Brings Tradition and Joy

Contact: Shelby Cefaratti-Bertin, 254-327-8012
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Each December, Baylor University is filled with traditions heralding the birth of Jesus Christ through the celebration of Christmas music. This holiday season, Baylor School of Music Christmas concerts are open to the Baylor and Waco communities to enjoy a range of offerings, including the beloved “A Baylor Christmas” featuring the Baylor Symphony Orchestra and combined choirs, the Chamber Singers Christmas Concert Baylor Bronze Handbell Ensemble Concert and the ringing of the 48 bells of the McLane Carillon.

The tradition of Christmas music performances at Baylor dates to 1963, with the debut of the Combined Choirs Christmas Concert, followed in 1966 by the Chamber Singers Christmas Concert. The combined choir concert eventually grew into what is now known as "A Baylor Christmas," which brings together all the talented student performers for this highly anticipated concert. This year’s “A Baylor Christmas” has moved to Waco Hall, offering more than 6,500 additional seats total for more guests to enjoy the concert. 

"The Baylor School of Music’s Christmas performances highlight the exceptional talent of our faculty and students, featuring the Chamber Singers, the Carillon Recital and our resident handbell choir, the Baylor Bronze,” said Kevin Sanders, D.M.A., dean of the School of Music. “These events honor the spirit of Christmas, brought to life through music’s unique ability to express faith, connection, and the joy of the season. We warmly invite everyone to share in our holiday traditions."

A Baylor Christmas moves to Waco Hall

Over the years, “A Baylor Christmas” has grown to become one of the most beloved campus performances. With the exciting shift in venue to Waco Hall, additional seating capacity and accessible ticket prices starting at $10, this year’s concerts on Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 8 celebrate community and connection. Waco’s peacemakers and seven local nonprofits will be featured throughout the concert, including The Cove Waco, Church Under the Bridge, Shepherd’s Heart, Mission Waco Manna House, Baylor Missions, Mission Waco Creekside Community Development and Baylor’s School of Music Oso Musical youth program. 

A Baylor Christmas is more than a concert – it’s a celebration of community and the spirit of the season,” Sanders said. “This year, we are honored to highlight the incredible work of local nonprofits that embody compassion and hope, reminding us of the power of music to bring people together."

Inspired by Howard Thurman’s poem The Work of Christmas, the concert explores themes of compassion, justice and love, featuring traditional music alongside two newly commissioned arrangements for the Baylor Men’s Choir and Symphony Orchestra. 

Additional Performances

While "A Baylor Christmas" kicks off the Christmas music season at Baylor, the tradition continues through various other performances. While "A Baylor Christmas" and Chamber Singers Christmas Concerts are ticketed events, the other concerts are free and open to the public.

• A Baylor Christmas has three performances: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Waco Hall. Tickets may be purchased at baylor.edu/tickets.
• Chamber Singers Christmas Concert has two performances: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, both at Armstrong Browning Library. Baylor's finest vocalists bring the Christmas spirit alive in the visually and aurally resplendent McLean Foyer of Meditation. Tickets may be purchased at baylor.edu/tickets.
• Caroling at the Carillon – Bundle up and join Caroling at the Carillon at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, outside of Pat Neff Hall, where University Carillonneur Lynnette Geary presents a recital of Christmas songs for all to sing along. The McLane Carillon is in the tower of Pat Neff Hall and can be best experienced on Founders Mall or the covered walkway along the front of Draper Academic Building. The Carillon concert is free and open to the public.
• Baylor Bronze Handbell Ensemble will present a concert at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, in Roxy Grove Hall at Waco Hall. This event is free and open to the public. Baylor students receive recital credit.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu. 

ABOUT THE BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC 

Celebrating more than 100 years of musical excellence, the Baylor University School of Music provides transformational experiences that prepare students for careers in music. Students thrive in a Christian environment characterized by a nurturing resident faculty, an unwavering pursuit of musical excellence, a global perspective, dedication to service and devotion to faith. They investigate the rich musical and cultural heritage of the past, develop superior musical skills and knowledge in the present, and explore and create new modes of musical expression for the future. While preparing for future leadership roles, students join with School of Music faculty in enhancing the quality of community life, enriching the larger culture and making Baylor a place in which heart, mind and soul coalesce. Baylor's School of Music is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Texas Association of Music Schools. Degree programs include bachelor's and master's degrees in performance, music education and academic majors, as well as doctoral degrees in church music. Degrees leading to the Bachelor of Music Education conform to certification requirements of the Texas Education Agency. Visit baylor.edu/music to learn more.