50 Years of Christmas Concerts

For the past 50 years, the Prince of Peace community has celebrated the Christmas season with concerts featuring our adult music ensembles. Prince of Peace has always welcomed the extended community to witness these seasonal events proclaiming the birth of the Savior Jesus. A series of directors has led these events through the years including Mike Elton, Marge Schiffet, Joyce Roadenfelt, Lloyd Hjelle, Loren Squires and Handt Hanson.

When Bruce Becker joined the music staff in 1986, the Christmas concert focused on a specific theme similar to concerts presented by many of the Lutheran college choirs in the region. ‚The Senior Choir, New Spirit directed by Paul Murakami, Flute Ensemble directed by Laurie Senechal, Peace Chimes directed by Ann Keelin, Brass Choir directed by Wayne Romer, and First Light high school choir directed by Handt Hanson and Paul Murakami, featured hundreds of musicians that were all part of these annual events.

In 1995, Becker introduced a new concert concept that would bring together many of the adult music ensembles and introduce an exciting artistic element from a growing group of members interested in the performing arts.‚ The first full-scale Christmas musical production entitled “‚The Gift of Christmas” directed by Jami Day and Becker, featured a full orchestra, choir, soloists, dramatic cast, lighting and sound.

From 2005-2012, an original script authored by Jennifer Cockerill along with selected music titles from a variety of sources past and present, has been the mainstay of our popular productions.