APSU Department of Music hosts 10th Holiday Dinner Dec. 6-7

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – When Dr. Korre Foster, Austin Peay State University associate professor of music, first arrived on campus in 2009, he had an idea for a holiday event that showcased the University’s choral program. Instead of a simple concert, Foster envisioned having his student singers perform while attendees enjoyed a formal, sit-down dinner.

The idea was a hit, growing in popularity over the years, and next month, Austin Peay’s choral program will host the 10th Anniversary Holiday Dinner at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6-7 in the Morgan University Center Ballroom.

“There’s definitely a cohort of people who come every year, in addition to newly sponsored corporate tables, and different parents based on who’s performing in the choir that year,” Foster said. “It’s a fantastic start to the season, with music celebrating winter, Hanukkah and Christmas.”

 Tickets go on sale Nov. 1, and this year’s Holiday Dinner will feature a new arrangement of the Christmas classic, “Ding Dong Merrily on High,” and a special collaboration with the Madison Street United Methodist Church Hand Bell Choir on the holiday staple “Ring those Christmas Bells.”

“We’ll also celebrate two recent retirements,” Foster said. “Adjunct instructor Susan Smith, who recently retired from the Nashville Symphony orchestra, and Professor Anne Glass, who recently retired from teaching piano at APSU.”

This year’s menu includes four entrée options – vegetarian acorn squash (stuffed with quinoa, apples, pecans and cranberries), Swedish meatballs over egg noodles, salmon with dill cream sauce and ham with mustard gingersnap sauce.

Tickets for the black-tie optional dinner are $75, with proceeds supporting APSU choral scholarships.

“Holiday Dinner allowed us to create the choral activities endowment through the University Foundation last year at this time,” Foster said. “Profits from Holiday Dinner continue to be directed toward the endowment.”

Corporate sponsorships are also available, with sponsorship levels ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 for a table of 10 or 20. For information on the event, contact Foster at fosterk@apsu.edu. To sponsor a table, contact APSU University Advancement at advancement@apsu.edu.