Encore of “A Baylor Christmas” to Air Nationwide on Gray TV

Media Contact: Lori Fogleman, 254-709-5959
Follow us: @BaylorUMedia on X and LinkedIn

Gray Media Group and KWTX Television will present a nationwide encore of “A Baylor Christmas,” recorded in December 2023 from the performances of the Baylor Symphony Orchestra and combined choirs of the Baylor University School of Music. Throughout December, “A Baylor Christmas” will air on Gray Media Group TV stations in 39 states that collectively reach near 40% of U.S. television households.

The annual concert, which has heralded the arrival of Christmas at Baylor for a half century, features the talents of more than 350 Baylor students and faculty. KWTX Television recorded the full performance of “A Baylor Christmas,” featuring the brilliant voices of the Baylor Combined Choirs and the talented musicians in the Baylor Symphony Orchestra resounding throughout a sold-out Jones Concert Hall as they performed traditional favorites.

"‘A Baylor Christmas’ is a cherished tradition that resonates with audiences far beyond our campus. We’re proud to share the exceptional talents of our students and faculty in the School of Music with viewers nationwide, celebrating the beauty of the Christmas season and embodying Baylor’s pursuit of excellence in every note." - Kevin Sanders, D.M.A., Dean of the Baylor School of Music

"‘A Baylor Christmas’ is a cherished tradition that resonates with audiences far beyond our campus," said Kevin Sanders, D.M.A., dean of the Baylor School of Music. "We’re proud to share the exceptional talents of our students and faculty in the School of Music with viewers nationwide, celebrating the beauty of the Christmas season and embodying Baylor’s pursuit of excellence in every note."

Celebrating Christmas in music and song

The hour-long broadcast of “A Baylor Christmas” opens with the Baylor Combined Choirs performing the traditional 17th century English carol “The First Nowell” arranged by Mack Wilberg, followed by “Personent Hodie,” a Lara Hoggard arrangement of the 13th century processional. The Baylor Combined Choirs are under the direction of Kristina MacMullen, D.M.A., director of choral activities and The Mary Gibbs Jones Chair in Music, and Will McLean, D.M.A., assistant professor of choral ensembles. Laura Smith is featured on organ.

The Baylor Women’s Choir, under the direction of Reginal Wright, M.M.Ed., lecturer of choral music ensembles, performs the African American spiritual “Listen to the Angels Shouting” by John Wesley Work, featuring soloists Amy Elliott, Jessical Kelly and Allie Sparks, followed by “Cradle Hymn” by Kim André Arnesen. The women’s choir is followed by the Baylor Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Miguel Harth-Bedoya, M.M., which takes the stage for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Flowers” from The Nutcracker Suite.

The Baylor Men’s Choir is next with the Mexican carol “Convidando está la noche” by Juan Garcia de Cespedes, arranged by Eugene Rogers. The Men’s Choir is under the direction of C. Randall Bradley, D.M.A., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Music, professor church music and director of the Church Music Program and The Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies. Soloists are Gavin Brophy, Henry Ingram, Stefan James, Logan Moore, Gabe Perez and Tyler Peterson, with Logan Campbell, Brandel Capps, Dylan Fink and Mark Phillips on guitar and Sam Anliker on percussion.

McLean then conducts “This Endris Night” by Sarah Quartel, performed by Bella Voce, followed by MacMullen directing the Baylor A Cappella Choir singing “Estampie Natalis” by Vaclav Nelhybel. Accompanied by the Baylor Symphony Orchestra Strings, featured soloists are Maximillian Macias, Katy Sanderford, April Hull and Brady Watson, with Marcus Alvarado, Reed Davidson and Ty Keller on percussion and Abigail Garner on piccolo.

Accompanied by Wright on piano along with the Baylor Symphony Orchestra Strings, baritone Stephen Newby, D.M.A., The Lev H. Prichard III Endowed Chair in the Study of Black Worship and professor of music, takes the stage for a breathtaking performance of “Some Children See Him” by Alfred Burt, arranged by David Shipps.

The Baylor Combined Choirs return under the direction of Harth-Bedoya for “O Holy Night” by Adophe Adams, arranged by Wilberg. “A Baylor Christmas” concludes with the Combined Choirs performing a resounding “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” arranged by Gary Fry and conducted by J. Eric Wilson D.M.A., professor of conducting and director of bands. Joel Tiotuico is featured on organ.

Hour-long, 30-minute program options

In addition to an hour-long program, Gray TV stations also have been provided with a 30-minute version of “A Baylor Christmas” that features performances of “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “Convidando está la noche,” “Listen to the Angels,” “Estampie Natalis” and “The Endris Night.”

KWTX Television records “A Baylor Christmas” every two years, with the broadcast premiere set the following year and then an encore presentation the next Christmas season. The 2025 “A Baylor Christmas” concert will make its broadcast premiere in December 2026.

To find a Gray TV station in your area, please see the station list. Check local listings for broadcast dates/airtimes.

Waco-Temple-Killeen Broadcast Schedule

KWTX 10.1 (CBS):

• Sunday, Dec. 21, 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 24, 6:30 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 25, 6 to 7 a.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 25, 4 to 5 p.m.

KNCT 46.1 (CW):

• Sunday, Dec. 21, 4 to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 24, 9 to 9:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 25, 8 to 9 a.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 25, 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Bryan-College Station Broadcast Schedule

KBTX 3.1 (CBS):

• Wednesday, Dec. 24, 4 to 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 25, 5 to 6 a.m.

NBTX 3.2 (CW):

• Sunday, Dec. 21, 4 to 5 p.m.

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 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 a century of musical excellence, the Baylor University School of Music offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs serving approximately 350 students and presenting more than 300 performances each year, including the nationally televised production, “A Baylor Christmas.” Recognized for its high academic standards, the School is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. In addition to its enrolled majors, the School of Music serves musical opportunities to more than 1,200 students across the Baylor campus. As part of a Christian research university, the School of Music integrates faith, artistry and scholarship – preparing students to become whole musicians and thoughtful leaders who pour into communities, elevate culture and serve the world through their art. Visit the School of Music website to learn more.