ND’s Annual Winter: An Interview with Ms. Tina Paulson
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This year the ND Music program is hosting its annual Winter Concert, dedicated to the holiday season led by Tina Paulson of the Visual and Performing Arts Department. It will be at Our Lady of La Vang Parish, San Jose, on Saturday Dec. 14 from 7-9 p.m.
For those unfamiliar with who Paulson is, she is the music director and performing arts teacher. Before coming to Notre Dame, she was originally from Montana and played for her school band and choir. This will be her 8th year teaching here at ND.
Her love for music and performing arts goes beyond what she teaches at ND, as she remains vocal on the main foundations for her students. Paulson recalls, “One of the guiding principles for music programming that I've found useful, I learned from Tim Seelig who is the director of the SF Gay Men's Chorus; program music with ‘TLC’ - which means you should have music that makes people Think, Laugh, and Cry.” This motto resonates the most with what makes the music program extra special and inspirational throughout her time teaching at ND.
With multiple music rehearsals happening behind the scenes, Paulson says, “Students are working really hard - they often come to the music room to practice during their free blocks. They are keeping pace with the work load, and I'm excited for them to show all they've learned since the Fall Concert.” Despite the busy schedule, the music program is prepared to give a magical performance. Paulson guarantees they will always put all their effort into.
Paulson highlights some exciting songs the students will perform, she brings up, “I am especially looking forward to "Salvation Is Created" that Band/Strings is playing memorized- it's the perfect piece for the acoustic of the Cathedral.”
She also mentioned, “Fleurs du Soleil is doing a cool Malaysian song by Tracy Wong called "J.A.M!" that incorporates body percussion. The jazz combos are sounding SO good- not only does she incorporate live band performances of different sounds to each song, she balances the cultures represented.
“I'm looking forward to their solos. Regent Harmonies is doing a great job with their pieces, especially "Ose Shalom" - a beautiful text in Hebrew about peace.”
Additionally she is the most excited for, “it's our tradition to have everyone perform "Peace, Peace" - it's a partner song where the audience participates singing "Silent Night" with us. We invite alumni musicians back to perform with us, and it's such a beautiful way to end the night.” The music program ensures that their audience is engaged, but also sharing a duet that includes everyone.
Some extra information to keep in mind is that you don’t need to RSVP for the event. If you’re interested in attending, be sure to come show your support and love to the music students!
