The University of North Georgia Holiday Concert took place Dec. 1, at Grace Episcopal Church in Gainesville, Ga. UNG’s vocal and instrumental ensembles and several faculty members joined forces to present the university’s inaugural concert featuring the sounds of Christmas.

The free concert included UNG Chorale from the Gainesville Campus and Le Belle Voci, UNG Singers and the Patriot Choir from the Dahlonega Campus. The school’s brass ensemble and faculty members showcased their talents, too.

Mitchell Woods, of Carrollton, sings tenor in Patriot Choir and performed at the concert.

“I think it’s fun when we all come together,” said Dr. John Broman, professor of music and director of choral activities at UNG. “Our students love singing with other groups.”

The school’s brass ensemble and faculty members stepped into the spotlight to showcase their talents, too.

Each choir, ensemble and faculty member performed on its own, then all performed together.

Will Gotmer, a part-time faculty member of music at UNG, said he looked forward to hearing 125 students singing, with the brass ensembles and faculty providing the accompaniment.

“They don’t have a lot of opportunities to perform together,” said Gotmer, director of the Chorale in Gainesville and director of music at Grace Episcopal Church, where he is organist. “It is a complete music department collaboration.”

The concert’s song selection varied as much as its performers — a mix of traditional holiday music and Christmas hymns.

Plus, Grace Episcopal has advantageous acoustics for singers and musicians alike.