Symphony Sounds Fill The Sanctuary

Last week I attended the November 29 rehearsal for the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra at St. Benedict Church, Johns Creek. The orchestra was rehearsing for its seventh annual Christmas Gala and Holiday Pops Concert, which took place at the parish on December 1.

A 56-voice choir was there to accompany the orchestra’s 45 musicians. The orchestra is conducted by J. Wayne Baughman, who also serves as the music director at St. Benedict Church.

While I was present they rehearsed songs like “White Christmas,” “Ave Maria,” “A Star of Bethlehem,” and “Somewhere in My Memory.” The last two are John Williams’ compositions from the 1990 motion picture soundtrack of the movie “Home Alone.” It was a nostalgic moment because our children loved the movie and its music when they were young, and so did I.

Below is a bit of audio from the rehearsal. Hear the orchestra and chorus perform “A Star of Bethlehem.” You’ll also hear Baughman’s voice as he gives them some feedback.

(Concert Photo Courtesy of the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra)

Look in the December 6 issue of The Georgia Bulletin for Andrew Nelson’s profile on J. Wayne Baughman.

You can also find additional rehearsal photos on the photo gallery of our website.

Michael Alexander, Staff Photographer