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Sounds of the Season: Songs and Stories
December 13 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
The Western Illinois Museum, in partnership with the Western Illinois University School of Music and the Community Music School, invites you to an evening of festive cheer at Sounds of the Season: Songs and Stories on Friday, December 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. This family-friendly event celebrates the holiday season with music, storytelling, and holiday treats.
The program kicks off at 5:30 PM on the Museum’s indoor “Our Front Porch,” where the LaMoine Brass Quintet will perform and lead guests in caroling. The audience is encouraged to join in and just enjoy beloved holiday tunes in a setting reminiscent of traditional outdoor caroling—don’t forget to bundle up, as this space is unheated!
At 6:00 PM, the celebration moves to the heated east building. Guests of all ages can sip warm drinks, view the exhibit, taste sugar plums, and create Victorian-inspired tree decorations. To add to the festive atmosphere, Mayor Mike Inman will present a reading of T’was the Night Before Christmas.
The evening continues at 6:30 PM with more caroling and a special performance by the Camerata Nova Quintet, as musicians and guests come together to bring timeless holiday classics to life.
Doors and bar open at 5:00 PM, and warm non-alcoholic refreshments will be served throughout the evening. There is a suggested $5 donation at the door. The Western Illinois Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, just one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square.
For more information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org. Visit wimuseum.org or follow @wimuseum on social media for a full schedule of events.
About the Western Illinois Museum
The Western Illinois Museum is a nonprofit community hub that celebrates the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County. Located in a historic building, the Museum offers exhibits, an open collection, and a variety of programs, including lectures and live music.
About the WIU School of Music
The Western Illinois University School of Music offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees and serves as a cultural center for the university and surrounding communities. It is a full member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Association of Illinois Music Schools.
Musicians performing in the program are faculty members from the WIU School of Music, sharing their talent with the community. Members of the LaMoine Brass Quintet include Nicole Gillotti and Becca Hari on trumpet, Jena Gardner on horn, Jett Walker on trombone, and James Land on tuba.
Members of the Camerata Nova Quintet include Paul Chinen on oboe, Julianna Eidle on flute, Eric Ginsberg on clarinet, Charlie Chadwell on saxophone, and Andrea Baker on bassoon.
About the WIU Community Music School
The WIU Community Music School provides high-quality, affordable music instruction and performance opportunities to enrich lives and enhance the cultural vitality of local communities.