BGMC kicked off the holiday season with their latest virtual video release “Up On The Housetop”. This is an incredibly playful rendition of the second-oldest secular Christmas song with “Jingle Bells” being the oldest. Composed in 1857 by Benjamin Russell Hanby who was the son of a minister active in the Underground Railroad & Abolitionist movement the song is one of the first to depict the rooftop delivery of Christmas gifts by Santa Claus. BGMC is dedicating “Up On The Housetop” to everyone struggling with isolation during the on-going pandemic. Reuben M. Reynolds III BGMC Music Director stated, “We just love this song. It’s fun, it’s light & it captures the sillier side of the holiday season—which is something that we all need right now.” “Up On The Housetop” is the latest in a series of BGMC@Home videos released by BGMC since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the chorus to halt live performances for public health reasons. Using their smart phones & other at-home recording equipment BGMC members individually recorded their parts in “Up On The Housetop.” The song is presented in BGMC’s signature virtual video style which recreates the experience of seeing the chorus onstage by grouping the individual cells of singers according their assigned section (Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone, Bass). As viewers watch the video the section that is primarily carrying the song during the performance dominates the screen. It’s also why BGMC’s ASL interpreter Dr. LeWana Clark is visible throughout the performance. Craig Coogan BGMC Executive Director concluded, “The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus has been sharing stories through song about our community to audiences around the world for more than 38 years now. We can’t perform for live audiences right now, but we can still sing & share our stories in other ways that inspire change, build community & celebrate difference.” “Home for the Holidays,” a 30-minute showcase of holiday songs from the Boston Gay Men's Chorus will air on WCVB Channel 5 Boston on Saturday December 12th at 11:35P & again on Sunday December 13th at 1P.
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