Christmas on the Boulevard concert series celebrates 15 years of bringing holiday cheer to campus

Christmas on the Boulevard, an annual holiday concert series hosted by the Liberty University School of Music, has quickly become not only a popular tradition on campus but also a must-see staple in Lynchburg. Since its inception 15 years ago, COTB has branched out from one combined show of pop and classic Christmas songs to two separate shows dedicated to each genre. With a packed house this year for COTB: Classic and a COTB: Pops that sold out in less than a day, more than 1,200 guests in total gathered at the Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall to see a showcase of student, faculty, alumni, and special guest talent and join in the celebration of our Savior’s birth.

Both events were live-streamed and can still be enjoyed on Liberty University’s YouTube channel.

“Fifteen years ago, Christmas on the Boulevard was established as an annual music gift to the Lynchburg community,” said School of Music Dean Stephen Müller. “We are always excited to kick off the Christmas season and see the joy and life that it brings to audiences. Crowds come back year after year to experience the holiday spirit the School of Music offers.”

This year, COTB: Classic, held on Dec. 4, included classic hymns like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “O Holy Night” as well as selections from the Christmas portion of the oratorio “Messiah” by George Frideric Handel. Several School of Music ensembles performed, including the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, University Chorale, Brass Quintet, Percussion Quartet, and more. Multiple alumni performed as guest soloists. At the beginning of the event, Müller encouraged attendees to “unplug” from their devices and “plug into reality” for the Christmas experience.

On Dec. 10, COTB: Pops, which sold out in record time this year, featured performances from School of Music groups, including E-41, LU Praise, and Shine, as well as solos and compositions by music students.

“People like the sound of Christmas, and when they come to our shows, they know that that our show will feel like Christmas,” said School of Music Associate Dean Dr. Paul Randlett. “It’s going to have Christmas songs, maybe some they know and some they are less familiar with, and it’s going to be done well. And most importantly, they know that we’re going to honor Christ.”

Elizabeth Killmon (’23), who graduated with a B.M. in Commercial Music: Film Scoring and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in music education, composed and orchestrated the song “Journey to the King.” The song tells the story of the wise men and was performed by the Liberty University Symphony Orchestra during the Pops concert, with a narration by students Kastien Chambliss, Aaron Webser, and Ben Bowers.

“My whole life I never would have expected a piece that I composed to be performed by such an amazing orchestra and performed in the School of Music’s largest (and sold-out) event,” Killmon said. “I am so grateful to God for providing this special opportunity to glorify and worship Him.”

Featured guest singers during the pops concert also included Christian singer and songwriter TaRanda Greene and Thomas Road Baptist Church Teaching Pastor and Christian artist Charles Billingsley. John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Professor Dr. David Wheeler closed each show with a devotional that presented the Gospel message.

“Christmas is not just about emotions and what we feel; it’s much more than that,” he said. “It’s a picture of the incarnation of Christ, that Jesus came — God sent Himself in the person of Christ — to die for us because we as sinners are separated from Him, and there is no hope. And Christmas is a season of hope. Christmas is not just about the incarnation; it is the fulfillment and resurrection, that Jesus paid the full price for us.”

The shows have regularly sold out well before the event, especially the pops concert which for the past few years has offered an open dress rehearsal with special access for friends and family. Randlett said the shows are an incredible display of talent at Liberty, with students from almost every music degree program represented.

“This is just one of the experiences and the events that will prepare these students to go out and be Champions for Christ in their music careers, spreading the Gospel, and making a difference for the Kingdom,” he said.