The Great Bend High School Vocal Music Department invites the community to celebrate a beloved holiday tradition as the A Cappella Choir presents the 89th Annual Vespers Candlelight Concert on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. in the GBHS Auditorium, 2027 Morton St. Admission is free, and all are welcome to share in this meaningful musical experience.
Following Vespers, the USD 428 Youth Choir – featuring 65 auditioned singers in grades 4-8 – will perform at 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium. The holiday celebrations continue on Monday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m., when the GBHS Concert Choir and Madrigals present their annual Christmas concert.
A Season Marked by Dedication, Growth, and Extraordinary Effort
As the holiday performance season approaches, GBHS vocal music students have already completed an impressive stretch of work showcasing their commitment to the musical arts. After presenting their Fall Concert on Oct. 29, students jumped quickly into a major event on Nov. 12 when GBHS hosted internationally recognized composer, conductor, and clinician Dr. Z. Randall Stroope for the inaugural Spiritu Choral Collective. Ten schools participated, with support from local sponsors and the tireless efforts of GBHS singers.
In the short weeks that followed, GBHS choirs balanced in-class rehearsals, Thanksgiving break, and a busy schedule of Madrigal noon-hour performances, along with district and state honor choir auditions, during which 15 students were selected and participated in two separate Saturday events. Students also spent weekends supporting the program through fundraising—garage sales, homemade pies, poinsettia sales, Rent-A-Student opportunities, and more.
“The students involved in musical arts are much like three-sport athletes,” said Susan Stambaugh, GBHS vocal music director. “They commit to a full year of rehearsals, performances, memorization of collegiate-level literature, and community service through music. I’m proud of how hard they work, how much they juggle, and what they accomplish together.”
Stambaugh expressed gratitude for the many ways the community supports the program – from attending concerts and inviting students to perform, to participating in fundraisers and Rent-A-Student opportunities.
“Sometimes the value of the arts is only measured by ratings or scores,” Stambaugh added. “But our students understand that their worth goes far beyond that. Dr. Stroope reinforced that they are dedicated, talented, and exceptionally well-prepared. And they notice every act of support – your attendance, your applause, your kind words. We are grateful.”
A Tradition That Shines Bright
The Vespers Candlelight Concert dates back to 1936 and remains one of Great Bend’s longest-standing holiday traditions. Each year, the ceremony brings together generations, honors the legacy of vocal excellence, and reflects the heart of the season.
“We look forward to sharing our candlelit musical tradition with the community,” Stambaugh said. “After such a busy and rewarding fall, the students are excited to celebrate with you this Sunday.”
