Featured in The 77th annual production of Feast of Lights
A Boy and his Drum
for SATB Choir & Orchestra
December 6th & 7th @ 7:30p PST
December 8th @ 4p PST
The Memorial Chapel at the University of Redlands


Feast of Lights History
The Feast of Lights is one of the most recognizable and respected of the University's traditions; a service of worship celebrating -- in spoken word, tableaux, song and instrumental offering --the birth of Jesus. Although presentations have differed slightly from year to year, the basic theme has remained constant: the story of the birth of Christ and the symbolic message of the star of Bethlehem.
The Feast of Lights was first conceived in 1942 by Professor J. William Jones and first presented at the University of Redlands in 1947 as a production of the School of Music. In 1950, a second performance for the student body was added, and by 1953, The Feast consisted of three performances.
Now in its 77th year Feast of Lights has seen leadership under Directors J. William Jones, Jeffrey Rickard and Nicholle Andrews, its fame is nation-wide and much of its music has been recorded.
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"As long as I live I shall anticipate the Feast of Lights at the University of Redlands. This inspired service of worship has been an introduction to the Christmas Season for students, faculty, and friends of the [U of R] for more than 20 years...a tradition that I hope will endure."
-- President George H. Armacost regarding the 1968 Feast of Lights program.
Program Notes
A Boy and His Drum was written for the 77th annual performance of the holiday production known as the Feast of Lights hosted by the University of Redlands Conservatory of Music. In her youth composer Mena Williams' favorite Christmas Carol was the 1958 classic The Little Drummer Boy; thus her decision to create her own rendition of the song for SATB and Orchestra.​
Conductor: Co Boi Nguyen
