Over 300 people from all around Malad Valley joined in celebrating the Christmas season in the first Concert and Sing-Along sponsored by the Malad Interfaith Council. “The Sounds of Christmas” was held on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the Malad 2 nd /4 th /5 th Ward Building under the direction of Dustin Smith of the Malad Stake High Council with Lorna Hess as the music coordinator. 

Dustin noted that this event, which will hopefully become an annual tradition, was the

inspiration of President David Jensen of the Malad Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and organized by the community Interfaith Council. 

In the opening prayer, Toni Werk of the Malad Presbyterian Church paid homage to Advent as she prayed for hope, peace, love, and joy for our community. The concert began with Travis Huckaby and sons Curtis and Seth performing “Little Drummer Boy” with Travis on guitar and Curtis on the box drum. Carrisa Hess sang a lesser known version of “O Holy Night,” accompanied by Lorna Hess. Brinn Bagley on violin and Eric Chipman on guitar performed “The Cherry Tree Carol.” Taylor Smith demonstrated his piano skills with two solos: “What Child Is This?” and “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” The Teeples family (David, Elyzabeth, Loralee, Hayes, Maryam, Bentley, and Dot) sang “All Praise to Thee,” accompanied by Chalae. Lindi Young then played a saxophone solo, “Hallelujah,” accompanied by her mother Shantel.

The second half of the program began with sisters Emily Christiansen and Carrie Jensen singing the wistful “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” accompanied by Christine Smith. Andy Nielsen then sang “Forever,” accompanied by Taylor Smith. Having a rare opportunity to show his trumpet ability, Foster Garrett performed “Gesu Bambino,” accompanied by Lorna Hess. Ne’Cole Tracy and daughters McKenna Brassfield and Natalie and Tabitha Webster sang “Hallelujah” with McKenna at the piano. Accompanying himself on the guitar, Brian Jeppsen sang “Joseph (I Was Not His Father).” 

Concluding the concert, the Malad High School Chamber Choir performed “Mary, Did You Know?”, directed by Foster Garrett and accompanied by Lorna Hess.

The program ended with a Christmas Message for the Community by Stake President David Jensen. President Jensen complimented all of the performers, stating that some of the greatest sermons are from the hymns, especially the Christmas carols that unite us all. He said that Christmas is all around us but should also be inside us. Noting how the commercial side of Christmas starts earlier and earlier every year, he said that maybe the 12 days of Christmas should become the 12 weeks of Christmas or even the 12 months of Christmas. As a

unified community, we should invite Christ into our lives all year long because all of us can be innkeepers, watching for and serving Christ. 

At the conclusion of President Jensen’s remarks, Larry Thomas of the Malad Stake High Council offered the closing prayer.

During the evening, the audience enthusiastically sang three well-known Christmas carols: “Away in a Manger,” “Joy to the World,” and “Silent Night” with Carla Williams as the organist and Kathryn Fossum as the chorister.  Refreshments were served in the beautifully decorated cultural hall. Sharee Blaisdell and Shanlynn Nimer organized the refreshments, and Chris Jensen and Sharee Blaisdell decorated the cultural hall. Decorations in the chapel were provided by Terra Ward and Jeni Sperry. Programs were designed by Steve Daniels. Tyrell Neal provided the computer camera coverage so that people could watch the program from home with an online link.