Advent Now!
Lee University’s musical ensemble Advent Now! will present a benefit concert on Monday at 7:30 p.m. in Pangle Hall. All donations from this event will go toward the ensemble’s musical missions trip to Japan.
Advent Now! is a specially-formed chamber ensemble that will travel to Japan Dec. 6-24, giving a total of 20 concerts throughout its tour. It is composed of a group of Lee students and faculty, including a vocal quintet, a string quintet, and a rhythm section.
The concert’s program will include a variety of musical styles, ranging from classical to jazz to gospel.
According to Dr. Austin Patty, director of the Advent Now! ensemble, many people in Japan love Christmas music and are interested in American Christmas traditions, but they often do not understand the origins of the celebration.
“Japan is one of the largest of the least-reached people groups in the world. Less than one percent of the Japanese call themselves Christian,” Dr. Patty said. “The vast majority have no understanding of who Jesus is and why He came into this world as a human being. Music provides a great way for them to come and hear why He came—to hear the gospel message.”
In addition to music students and faculty, Dr. Arden Jensen, a professor of English at Lee whose specialty area includes Japanese language and culture, will accompany the group and speak alongside the students, who frequently share their testimonies.
“I am very excited about our group,” Dr. Patty said. “These students are very talented and hardworking. They are putting in many hours of preparation, even though it is not part of their course work.”
This concert is free and open to the public, but donations are welcome. Donations may be made at the door or online for their December trip. To donate online or for more information, visit https://adventnowmusic.wixsite.com/2018.