Central Wyoming College hosts Festival of Carols on Dec. 9
Central Wyoming College hosts Festival of Carols on Dec. 9
RIVERTON, Wyo. — The Central Wyoming College Music Department will present its annual Festival of Carols on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Robert A. Peck Arts Center Theatre.
The concert, directed by Dr. Jeremy Cochran, will showcase the CWC Collegiate Chorale, the Community Brass Ensemble and the CWC Handbell Choir performing seasonal favorites, traditional carols and audience sing-along selections. Admission is free, and cash donations will be accepted to support the Lander Care and Share Food Bank and the Riverton Help Center.
The program features “In the Bleak Midwinter,” “Still, Still, Still,” “Welcome Christmas,” “Noel Nouvelet,” “Personent Hodie,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Carol of the Bells” and additional works arranged by Linda Scholes, Sandra Eithun, Ron Mallory, Russell Robinson, Peter Wilhousky and Dr. Cochran. Audience members will join in singing “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Silent Night” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.”
Featured performers include flutist Bridgette Plumb and percussionist Azaniah Guthrie.
Performer Roster
Piano – Pianist Susan Tucker will accompany the ensembles.
CWC Brass Ensemble
Performers include Mike Adams, Misty Bryant, Garry Burnette, Ryan Childers, Goldi Clark, Kelly Dehnert, Azaniah Guthrie, Ernie Hanson, Matt Hartman, Jennifer Kessler, Cary Leadbetter, Jim Massman, Scott Morrow, Rebecca Pitt, Aerika Smith, Isaac Wille, Tom Wilson and Rick Wilmes.
CWC Handbell Choir
Handbell musicians include Misty Bryant, Goldi Clark, Debbie Graham, Shelby Kisling, Bridgette Plumb, Rosalind Nesmith, Denise Stacey, Jo Trumble, Susan Tucker and Isaac Wille.
CWC Collegiate Chorale
Chorale members include Dawn Bennett, Misty Bryant, Ryan Childers, Goldi Clark, Karyn Ervin, Heather Elliot, Azaniah Guthrie, Diane Hanigan, Miley Harrison, Matt Hartman, Kris Hayes, Mike Hoyt, Sandi Hussa, Alma Law, Gloria Leadbetter, Sylvia McKee, Kathy Moline, Scott Morrow, Rosalind Nesmith, Taylor Pattison, Megan Quitberg, Shawn Royce, Ellie Sanders, Spencer Smith, Linda Tice, Susan Tucker and Hallie Wilson.
Spring 2026 Arts Enrollment
Central Wyoming College encourages prospective students, community members and lifelong learners to explore spring enrollment opportunities in music and the arts. Programs in vocal and instrumental studies, music education, theory and audio technology are open for registration. Learn more at www.cwc.edu/music.
Daymond John, entrepreneur, investor and star of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” is the founder and CEO of FUBU and a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship. John is a best-selling author whose titles include “The Power of Broke,” “Rise and Grind,” “Powershift” and “Little Daymond Learns to Earn.”
Kristen Hadeed, founder of Student Maid, is a leadership expert known for her people-first approach and her book “Permission to Screw Up,” which explores lessons learned from building a culture of belonging and accountability.
Gary Schoeniger, founder an
d CEO of the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative, is the co-author of the international bestseller “Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur” and author of “The Entrepreneurial Mindset Advantage.” His work has shaped entrepreneurial mindset education around the world.
Sean Sherman, Oglala Lakota chef, entrepreneur and Indigenous food systems leader, is internationally recognized for his work revitalizing and expanding awareness of Indigenous culinary traditions. Born in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Sherman has cooked across the U.S. and globally for more than 30 years. In 2014, he launched The Sioux Chef, a culinary and education initiative based in Minneapolis–Saint Paul.
Sherman’s first book, The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen, won the James Beard Award for Best American Cookbook. His restaurant OWAMNI opened in 2021 and was named Best New Restaurant in America by the James Beard Foundation in 2022. His latest book, Turtle Island: Foods and Traditions of the Indigenous Peoples of North America, expands his work to a continental scale, blending research, storytelling and contemporary Indigenous recipes.
Sherman’s participation is an especially meaningful addition to this year’s conference. His national leadership in Indigenous food revitalization aligns directly with Central Wyoming College’s Culinary & Hospitality Program and Bachelor of Applied Science in Tribal Leadership, offering students and the community a powerful example of cultural entrepreneurship, food sovereignty, and community-based innovation. His keynote will highlight the intersection of tradition, sustainability and economic opportunity—core themes across CWC’s academic and workforce initiatives.
Early bird tickets on sale. Tickets are available now at www.cwc.edu/tickets/
Special Holiday Early Bird All-Access Pass — $200
Early Bird Ticket — $225
Conference Highlights
Attendees will have access to:
The conference is expected to draw 200 to 400 participants from across Wyoming and the Mountain West.
Opportunities to Participate
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $10,000 and above, offering businesses visibility through marketing, signage, program features, exhibitor space and social media promotion. Specialty sponsorships are also available for refreshments and networking events.
Details and sponsorship packets can be found at www.cwc.edu/cwie.