Behind the Scenes: The Making of Christmas at Belmont

A look at what it takes to coordinate 600 students for annual production

For nearly two decades, music lovers across America have welcomed the holiday season by tuning in or attending a performance of "Christmas at Belmont," the spectacular musical celebration showcasing the talent and artistry of Belmont University's School of Music. This year, as the beloved show transitions to a new online venue with Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel, the production promises to reach an even broader audience while maintaining its tradition of excellence. 

But how does such an ambitious production — featuring hundreds of student musicians across multiple ensembles — come together? The answer lies in months of meticulous planning, careful coordination and a dedicated team of faculty members who orchestrate every detail. 

A Nine-Month Symphony of Planning 

“It's a puzzle,” admits Dr. Jane Warren, associate professor of music and conductor of the University Singers, who has been involved with the show since its inception. The planning begins months before the first note is sung, with ensemble directors from both classical and commercial music programs submitting potential pieces for consideration. 

Dr. Jeffery Ames, director of choral activities, leads a team that carefully evaluates these submissions, ensuring not just musical excellence but also the perfect flow for television. “We have to think about varying styles, tempos and logistics,” Ames noted. “It's not just about the musical flow — we have to consider practical matters like how commercial ensembles with microphones will transition on and off stage.” 

The Logistics of Large-Scale Production 

The coordination extends far beyond music selection. With multiple ensembles performing throughout the evening, the team must orchestrate a complex dance of positions and transitions. While some groups, like the University Singers and Symphony Orchestra, remain stationed on stage, others must be precisely positioned throughout the venue for their moments in the spotlight. 

“It's gotten so much better since we moved to the Fisher Center,” Warren reflected, noting that previous years when the taping was held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center presented further logistical challenges. “Back then, we had ensembles tucked into every nook and cranny of the hall,” she laughed. 

 A Testament to Efficiency   

Over the years, the production has been streamlined significantly. Dr. Lesley Mann, who has worn many hats over the years, including coordinating from the production truck during filming, explained how they've refined the process. “Sometimes we need to record a song twice or even three times to capture the perfect performance. It might be due to technical issues like a fallen cymbal, or we might just want to ensure we're showcasing these students at their absolute best.” 

Ames has been instrumental in making the process more efficient, particularly for the mass choir rehearsals where hundreds of students come together to learn the show's opening and closing numbers. “To get that many students to learn and memorize two full songs in just four rehearsals requires effective, efficient, masterful teaching,” Mann observed of her colleague. 

Balancing Education and Excellence 

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Christmas at Belmont is how it maintains its educational mission while producing a professional-quality show. The production schedule must account for students' academic responsibilities, especially challenging given the timing of the production’s proximity to final exams. 

“The world doesn't stop for Christmas at Belmont,” Ames emphasized. “Our students are taking other classes, some are working to pay for school, some are RAs. We have to consider everything they're going through and give them enough leeway to keep them healthy and cared for.” 

 A Ministry of Music 

At its core, Christmas at Belmont aims to touch hearts and uplift spirits. “We want our performance to make a difference in somebody's life, even if it's only for three minutes,” Ames shared. “Even if it's just a brief moment where the cares of this world are tossed away, and they're caught up in the music or emotion or in a time of healing.” 

Before every major rehearsal, the team prays — not just for the performance, but for the safety of everyone involved, from the lighting riggers to the students walking down the hallway. It's this spirit of purpose and community that has made Christmas at Belmont more than just a holiday special — it's become a cherished tradition that showcases the best of what Belmont University has to offer. 

As the production embarks on its new chapter with Amazon, the team sees it as an exciting opportunity to share their ministry of music with an even wider audience. “This is a new adventure for us,” Warren reflected. “It's kind of nice to have a fresh take on things. The sense of adventure in this one is particularly evident in what we're doing.” 

Through countless hours of preparation, hundreds of talented performers and the dedicated leadership of its faculty, Christmas at Belmont continues to evolve while staying true to its mission: touching hearts and spreading joy through the universal language of music.