Preparations for BYU-Idaho’s production of Handel’s “Messiah” are already underway for this Christmas season. However, it is still not too late for anyone interested in being a part of this sing-along event to get involved. 

Kristin Higbee, a freshman from Helena, Montana, and community representative for the “Messiah” organization board, said that student and community participants alike are welcome to come to the rehearsals and take part in this event. 

“The “Messiah” is a traditional Christmas event that everyone should have the opportunity of singing along in,” Higbee said. “If you enjoy singing then you should come to the rehearsals. It’s a good way to get involved.”  

Kristina Cottam, a freshman from Fort Collins, Colorado and member of the “Messiah” organization board, said that the board has been working to involve the community in addition to BYU-Idaho students by taking such steps as contacting the various high schools in the area.

“I would encourage anybody who wants to, to come sing,” Cottam said. “It doesn’t matter if you can sing or not. Let yourself feel the spirit of the piece, be involved, and have fun with it. We need as many people as we can get.”

“I think it’s beautiful music and this is a great way to reach out to people of all faiths, see that we all have something in common, and get a feel for the real meaning of Christmas,” Cottam said.

Remaining rehearsals will be held in room 318 of the Manwaring Center on Thursday December 1, Tuesday December 6^th, and Thursday December 8 from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

“The actual performance of “Messiah” will consist of a choir and orchestra performing eight different choruses, and the audience will be welcome to sing along if they know the music,” Cottam said.

“Messiah” will be performed at the Hart Auditorium on December 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are required for this event; however, they are free. Tickets can be obtained at the MC Ticket Office or by visiting www.byui.edu/tickets.

[“Messiah”] will definitely be a worthwhile event to attend; it should be a really good performance,” Higbee said. “We want to make sure everyone gets a taste of the Christmas spirit and participates in the performance.”