Get into the holiday spirit at the Western Illinois Museum’s Sounds of the Season: Songs and Stories, in partnership with the Western Illinois University School of Music and the Community Music School, on Sunday, December 14th, from 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.. The Museum’s cozy indoor Our Front Porch will come alive with seasonal music, storytelling, holiday treats, and the chance to join in caroling. Come for a little while or stay for the whole afternoon, our family-friendly festivities are the perfect way for all ages to celebrate the season together.
The program begins at 1 p.m., as local writer share heartwarming selections of their favorite Christmas memories.
At 1:30 p.m., young musicians take the spotlight to perform holiday favorites. Come hear inspiring youth talent on violin, piano, and harp perform familiar songs like “Jingle Bells” and “Jolly Old St. Nicholas.”
Music continues at 2 p.m., with a performance by the La Moine Brass Quintet leading a spirited holiday singalong. The audience is encouraged to join in or just enjoy beloved holiday tunes in a setting reminiscent of traditional outdoor caroling.
Mayor Mike Inman will bring a beloved tradition to life with a reading of T’was the Night Before Christmas at 2:30 p.m., followed by a trumpet fanfare by WIU students at 2:45 p.m..
The afternoon concludes at 3 p.m. 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.
Throughout the event, guests can sip warm drinks, explore the Museum’s exhibit, taste sugar plums, and make their own Victorian-inspired tree decorations. Doors open at 1:00 PM, and a suggested $5 donation at the door helps support the Museum’s community programming.
Program Schedule
1 p.m. Readings of Holiday Memories 1:30 p.m. Local Student Music Performances 2 p.m. La Moine Brass Quintet Sing-Along 2:30 p.m. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Reading by Mayor Inman 2:45 p.m. WIU Trumpet Studio Fanfare 3 p.m. Camerata Nova Quintet Sing-Along Located at 201 S. Lafayette St., just a block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square, the Western Illinois Museum is a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County. The building is fully accessible, and there is free parking available.
Visit wimuseum.org for a full schedule of events, or follow us on social media @ wimuseum. For questions, call 309-837-2750, text 309837-2613, or email [email protected].
About the Musicians The LaMoine Brass Quintet (LBQ), founded in 1992, is the resident faculty brass ensemble of the Western Illinois University School of Music. Comprised of Nicole Gillotti and Sarah Cisney (trumpets), Jena Gardner (horn), Jett Walker (trombone), and James Land (tuba), the quintet is dedicated to excellence in performance, education, and outreach. The LBQ regularly performs on the WIU Faculty Chamber Music Series, premieres new works, and presents clinics and masterclasses across the region. The ensemble has been featured at events such as the International Trombone Festival and co-hosts WIU’s annual WindFest, continuing its mission to champion vibrant, accessible brass chamber music while mentoring the next generation of musicians. In 2023, the Camerata Nova Quintet, comprised of woodwind faculty from Western Illinois University, expanded the traditional woodwind quintet format by incorporating the saxophone, adding a fresh and dynamic layer to the ensemble’s sound. Featuring Andrea Baker (bassoon), Charlie Chadwell (saxophone), Paul Chinen (oboe), Julianna Eidle (flute), and Gloria Inés Orozco Dorado (clarinet), the group blends classical tradition with modern innovation. Their unique instrumentation, supported by $8,000 in grants, including an International Double Reed Society “50 in 50” Commissioning Grant, reflects their mission to explore new sonic possibilities and expand the classical repertoire. Learn more at www.wiu.edu/cofac/ camerata_nova/.
