Highlanders bring holiday cheer to Roanoke Symphony Orchestra

The Radford University Highlanders Pipes and Drums helped kick off the holiday season for thousands of concertgoers in the Roanoke and New River valleys on December 6 and 7. The Highlanders Pipes and Drums joined the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra (RSO) for the annual Holiday Pops Spectacular with over two hours of holiday favorites, carols and original material.

Approximately 3,200 attended a show at the Salem Civic Center on December 6, followed by 1,200 at the Moss Arts Center in Blacksburg on December 7.  The turnout was fantastic, and the holiday cheer was palpable.

The Radford University Highlanders Pipes and Drums onstage with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra at the at the Moss Arts Center in Blacksburg on Dec. 7.

The Radford University Highlanders Pipes and Drums onstage with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra at the at the Moss Arts Center in Blacksburg on Dec. 7.

The Highlanders Pipes and Drums is a traditional bagpipe and drum corps. It is led by Tim Channell, Ed.D., chair of the Department of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Not only did Radford support the successful holiday program with the pipes and drums, the orchestra featured several Radford University faculty members. Those who contributed to the Holiday Pops Spectacular included Professor of Music Wayne Gallops, Ph.D., on the keyboard, Adjunct Professor of Music Vladimir Kromin on the violin, Assistant Professor of Music Bill Parrish on the oboe, Assistant Professor of Music Dayl Burnett, D.M.A., on the trombone and Professor Emeritus of Music Al Wojtera on the drums.

The event also featured choruses from Virginia Tech and Hollins University, as well as the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir. Guest artist Adrienne Danrich provided vocal performances with several holiday classics, as well. In total, RSO estimates over 250 performers were on stage during the concert.

Radford University was proud to partner with several community partners and educational institutions to contribute to a successful celebration of holiday cheer. This event speaks to Radford University’s commitment to the community within the New River and Roanoke valleys.

Dec 12, 2019
Mark Lambert
540-985-9031
mlambert11@radford.edu