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Carole Mikita ReportingAs we just saw last weekend, the rivalry between the University of Utah and BYU is intense on the football field. But Arts Specialist Carole Mikita found others at the two schools who are raising their voices together in song.
Brigham Young University's chorus rehearses for an important event. And forty miles north, another university, another music department, another group of singers -- not rivals but colleagues.
The two schools of music will come together next week for a remarkable tenth annual Christmas concert.
Kara Smith, U. of U. Chorus: "Musically, I think it's much more of a cooperative spirit than football ever could be."
Chris Mayfield, U. of U. Chorus: "I think that competition's a really healthy thing. You definitely sense a little bit of that in the combined concerts, although I would say it's a much more unifying experience in the end."
Fellow musicians to the south, feel exactly the same way.
Melissa Isaacson, BYU Chorus: "There's a wonderful feeling when we all sing together. And, I think, that that can transcend any angerness or bitterness that might come with sports."
Timothy Workman, BYU Chorus: "I don't think there ever needs to be a rivalry, especially in the arts. I think the arts are meant to bring people together in the first place."
Combining their voices the university singers say also brings them together in love of music, respect, and in friendship.
John Cooksey, Dir. of Choral Activities: "It certainly emphasizes the theme of peace and goodwill to men on earth, and we need a lot of that, I think, these days."
The 10th Annual Combined Christmas Concert is Tuesday, December 2nd, at the University of Utah's Libby Gardner Hall. Performances are at 6 and 8pm.
