Music Department to hold Jolly Jamboree fundraiser
From left to right, starting at the front, are UAF music students Grace Farrell, Mari Ana Beks, Ellie Martinson, Arianna Carroll, Madeline Andriesen, Taylor Hendricks, Benjamin Anderson and Ariana Lopez.
Date: Dec. 23, 2021
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Online
The UAF Department of Music will hold its second annual Jolly Jamboree on Thursday, Dec. 23, at 6:30 p.m. as a YouTube premiere on the department's YouTube channel. The event raises funds for UAF students who want to attend young-artist programs across the country and around the world.
Jolly Jamboree is the brainchild of Jaunelle Celaire, department chair and professor of voice. For years, Celaire and members of the UAF Music Department have gone Christmas carolling in the Fairbanks community, but, when the COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from doing so, they began recording carols and sending them out digitally. The recordings were distributed to assisted-living homes and senior facilities in all 50 states. Last year, for “A COVID Christmas with the Celaire Studio,” they performed songs such as “Joy to the World,” “Jingle Bells," “Deck the Halls,” “Silent Night” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
Expanding on the idea, Celaire created Jolly Jamboree to provide performance opportunities for her students when in-person productions were restricted. The event consists of prerecorded Christmas carols and other holiday songs performed by UAF music students and each of the large ensembles and chamber groups within the department.
Although its initial conception was not as a fundraiser, Jolly Jamboree now raises funds to provide financial assistance for students who attend young-artist programs nationally and internationally. These summer programs offer space and time for young artists to study intensively in their discipline. The programs are critical for music students’ success. Students can learn from and collaborate with professionals, and they have the opportunity to work and network with those already working in the industry. Plus, admission to these programs are audition-only, and thus serve as motivation, practice, and professional progression as well.
The event will premiere on the UAF Music Department’s YouTube channel. You can RSVP
and learn more by visitng the Facebook eventpage. Donations can be made online and through text during the performance.
For more information, email the Music Department at uaf-music@alaska.edu.