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Winter serenades: Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra showcases Fayetteville’s young musicians

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Tuesday, 02 December 2025
Written by Sheila D. Barker

17aThis December, musicians from across the region will gather onstage for one of the most anticipated youth arts events of the season—the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Winter Concert, presented Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. inside Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University, 140 Robert Johnson Dr.
The performance will showcase the remarkable talent and dedication of young musicians across five ensembles: the FSYO String Orchestra, FSYO Concert Band, FSYO Chamber Strings, FSYO Cello Choir, and the String Sinfonietta. More than just an afternoon of inspiring music, this concert is a celebration of growth, artistry, and the power of youth in the arts.
Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the door.
For students, families, and lovers of live classical music, this concert offers a unique glimpse into the heart of the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra —a program designed to enrich music education and provide young musicians with opportunities to share their artistry with the community. Unlike a single orchestra, FSYO is comprised of five ensemble groups, each tailored to different age groups, instruments, and experience levels. Through weekly rehearsals, sectional work, guest instruction, and live performance opportunities, students develop not only in musicianship but also in leadership, discipline, and collaborative artistry.
Participating in FSYO extends a musician’s training far beyond private lessons or school ensembles. Students learn to perform as members of a team, listening, blending, supporting one another, and rising to musical challenges together. With rehearsals held weekly for each ensemble, students refine their technique, deepen their musical interpretation, and gain valuable experience in preparation for public concerts such as this winter's performance.
The Winter Concert highlights each ensemble’s unique sound, from the soaring harmonies of the String Orchestra to the bold vibrance of the Concert Band. Chamber Strings will bring intricate, expressive repertoire to the evening, while the Cello Choir offers a rare opportunity to hear the rich, warm timbre of an all-cello ensemble. Rounding out the lineup, the String Sinfonietta—designed for younger and developing musicians—will show how FSYO cultivates talent from an early stage, preparing students to advance into the more challenging ensembles over time.
These ensembles are guided by an exceptional roster of artistic leaders. Youth Orchestra director Miss Kristin Stiteler, a lifelong educator and accomplished performer, brings more than 26 years of experience teaching orchestra and band. Her musical background spans violin, jazz saxophone, mandolin, and more—expertise she brings directly to the next generation of musicians.
17bAlongside her is Dr. Daniel McCloud, Youth Band director—an active conductor, percussionist, composer, and educator. His work with FSYO extends beyond directing the Concert Band; he also assists with the organization’s flagship orchestra and composes for ensembles nationwide. His passion for musicianship and performance strengthens the program’s foundations in technique, ensemble playing, and musical excellence.
Also central to the FSYO experience are Mrs. Laurel Wachtler, director of String Sinfonietta, and Mrs. Barbara Shipp, director of the Cello Choir. Both musicians bring decades of professional performance and teaching experience to the program, along with a shared commitment to nurturing young string players. Their mentorship helps early musicians grow into confident, capable performers ready to advance into higher-level ensembles such as Chamber Strings and Youth Orchestra.
With this concert marking the culmination of a semester’s work, FSYO is now preparing to welcome new musicians. Registration for Spring 2026 is open, with auditions scheduled for January 11 and 15, 2026. Students aged 7–21 are invited to audition for placement, and tuition covers participation in all ensembles a student qualifies for. Financial aid is available for those in need, affirming FSYO’s mission to make music education accessible to all. For more information on the FSYO’s program and the auditions for the new season, visit https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/youth-orchestra/.
On Dec. 14, audiences will witness not only a performance but the remarkable journey of young artists learning, striving, and creating something beautiful together. Join the community in celebrating their achievements as the Youth Orchestra’s Winter Concert fills the hall with holiday warmth, passion, and symphonic sound.

(Photos courtesy of Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra)

Faytteville's cherished tradition continues: FSO, CCA present Handel's Messiah

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Tuesday, 02 December 2025
Written by Katie Herring

15aThe sounds of the holiday season will ring through Huff Concert Hall, 5400 Ramsey St., at Methodist University as the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and Cumberland Choral Arts join forces for their annual performance of George Frideric Handel's magnificent oratorio, Messiah.
The highly anticipated performance, a beloved tradition marking the official start of the holiday celebration for many in the region, is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
What makes this annual event even more significant is that it will be the final Messiah performance for FSO's long-serving Music Director, Stephan Sanders, who is set to conclude his impactful tenure at the end of the 2025-2026 season.
A Gift to the Community
A remarkable aspect of this grand concert is that admission is free, made possible through the generosity of local donors and grants. Primary financial support comes from the Linda and Ralph Huff Endowment for FSO Handel’s Messiah, an endowment managed by the Cumberland Community Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County.
CCA Board of Directors President, Sandy Cage, expressed deep gratitude, stating, “We are so grateful for the generosity that allows us to keep the concert free.”
“This concert is our gift to the community,” explained Thomas Hill, Marketing and Office Manager of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. The FSO, a professional, regional orchestra, adheres to a mission "to educate, entertain, and inspire the citizens of the Fayetteville, North Carolina region as the leading musical resource."
While tickets are still required to ensure an accurate headcount and sufficient seating for the 1,000-seat Huff Concert Hall, the lack of a price tag makes the professional-level performance accessible to the entire community.
A Long-Standing Partnership
The collaboration between the FSO (comprised of about 35 musicians) and the CCA (with at least 100-115 dedicated singers) is a well-established tradition, stretching back to the 1990s. Both organizations have presented Messiah several times over the decades, solidifying their place as cultural pillars in Fayetteville.
For many audience members, the draw of Messiah is immediate and powerful.
“The Hallelujah chorus is what draws most people in,” noted Sandy Cage.
Thomas Hill offered a broader view on the work’s enduring appeal:
“The music is recognizable, and it has a long history of being performed at Christmastime, all the way back to its beginning when Handel composed it. It was conceived as a community-building and charitable event.”
He added that the tradition has spread beyond classical music enthusiasts, with many people associating the oratorio with the coming of the holiday season.
A Farewell and New Voices
This year’s one-hour performance, presented without intermission, will be bittersweet for the FSO as they honor Stephan Sanders. His final Messiah with the orchestra promises to be a memorable event as he leads the combined forces of the orchestra and chorus.
The performance will also feature four talented soloists, including two returning favorites and a new addition. Soprano Caroline Vaughn and fan-favorite bass Ramelle Brooks are returning to the stage, joined by new Mezzo-soprano Sara Roberts and tenor Corey Leak, who regularly sing with the Carolina Opera in Raleigh.
Patrons are encouraged to be seated early, as the Campbellton Youth Chorus, led by Lisa Packer, will perform starting around 7 p.m. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy a full evening of music and to hear the next generation of choral artists in our community.
Though admission is free, tickets are required and can be secured through the organizations' websites: fayettevillesymphony.org or cumberlandchoralarts.org.
Don’t miss this chance to experience a powerful community tradition and celebrate the holidays with one of music’s most beloved masterpieces.

(Photo: The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and Cumberland Choral Arts perform Messiah. Messiah is a Fayetteville tradition that goes back to the 1990s, and is a beloved part of the community's Christmas festivities. Photo courtesy of Thomas Hill)

50 Years of sugar plum magic: The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville presents The Nutcracker

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Tuesday, 02 December 2025
Written by Anna White

11aKnown as a Christmas classic, The Nutcracker has a way of casting a holiday glow over audiences. But, at the Dance Theatre of Fayetteville, the annual Nutcracker performance is about more than holiday nostalgia. Every year, it’s a tribute to the broader dance community of Fayetteville and the unusual camaraderie seen among performers and families hailing from studios across the region. This year, it’s especially noteworthy as the performance marks 50 years of such Christmas magic.
“It’s typically very hard to get a collaboration between studios because every studio competes in competitions with each other,” said Secretary James Ragucci-Leach. “As a board, we work really hard to make sure all our studios are represented through the Dance of Fayetteville. Everyone is equal in our eyes.”
This attitude is what brings not only performers of all skill levels to the stage, but non-dancing parents and friends who just want to help.
Ragucci-Leach says he’s seen parents and siblings of dancers donning costumes and taking the stage for the family scene, simply because they want to be part of the community effort.
“I think the main thing is, there’s a sense of family, a sense of community,” he explained. “It gives this warm, fuzzy feeling that ‘this is where we belong.’”
And everyone truly does belong. Ragucci-Leach says that in all his time serving as secretary, they’ve not turned a single auditioner away.
“Every dancer, no matter who they are, gets to try out. And we go off of that to pick what parts they get—but every dancer gets a part. It basically allows dancers of all shapes and sizes and walks of life to get together and showcase what they can do,” he said.
Because tryouts are open to dancers of so many skill levels, the casting directors pay special attention to placing performers in appropriate roles.
“We kind of just make sure that we put everybody in a place where they're going to feel comfortable, but also give them a challenge. We want, more than anything, for dancers to hone their skills through this too, to showcase what they can do, but to push them as well.”
He says planning and tryouts typically start around June—though it started even earlier this year because of additional 50th Anniversary preparations. After tryouts, which are held on-site at Dance Theatre of Fayetteville’s partner organization, Methodist University, planning continues with costuming and rehearsals. Rehearsals are rigorous and begin in dancers' home studios, eventually bringing all participating studios together for group rehearsals.
For the 50th Anniversary performance, attendees can expect the unexpected.
“There’s going to be a lot of surprises,” said Ragucci-Leach. “A lot of things that have never happened at The Nutcracker will happen this year with the 50th Anniversary.”
Additionally, new 50th anniversary merchandise will be available.
Look for 50th anniversary celebratory colors throughout the event and venue. Ragucci-Leach says they chose “pine forest green” to reflect their long-standing partnership with Methodist University and gold to denote the iconic anniversary as color themes.
“You’ll see that from the stage, to the t-shirts the cast and the volunteers are wearing, you’ll see it as you’re coming into The Nutcracker, it’s going to be everywhere!”
Ragucci-Leach says this year’s rendition of The Nutcracker represents the longevity of the Dance Theatre of Fayetteville’s “good, wholesome atmosphere.”
“For us, it’s 50 years of family fun and giving dancers a chance to be themselves,” he concluded.
The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville will present The Nutcracker at Methodist University Huff Concert Hall at 5400 Ramsey St., at the following times: Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids ages 5-12. Children four and under are free.
Visit the Dance Theatre of Fayetteville’s website for more information and to purchase tickets at https://the-dance-theatre-of-fayetteville.square.site/

(Photo courtesy of The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville)

Enjoy a dazzling evening for Disney devotees

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Tuesday, 02 December 2025
Written by Anna White

12Do you have a favorite Disney character? Maybe it’s courageous Elsa from Frozen, faithful and spirited Woody from Toy Story, or perhaps fun-loving Mickey Mouse. The new Disney on Ice Presents Jump In! features a lineup of over 50 beloved Disney characters ready to warm your heart and sweep you into a journey of classic Disney stories. The lineup of characters, which includes several brand-new additions, might include your favorite!
Portrayed by world-class figure skaters and high-flying aerial acrobats, the characters begin their journey with a tap on the Magical MousePad; an imaginary iPad used by Mickey Mouse and friends. The MousePad is only the beginning of a dazzling evening through familiar stories such as Frozen, Encanto, Zootopia, Toy Story, and, most recently, newly added characters from Moana 2 and Inside Out 2.
According to a press release, the performance will take viewers on a “magical adventure with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy as they use the Magical MousePad to journey to the heart of these unforgettable Disney tales.”
Attendees will “Navigate the thrilling high seas of Moana 2 and the vibrant world of Inside Out 2…Help Stitch fix a glitch as mayhem ensues across the ice, stroll the bustling metropolis of Zootopia, glide through the icy realms of Frozen, marvel at the playful universe of Toy Story, and travel to the vibrant world of Colombia with the Madrigal family in Encanto.”
Glamour-lovers will be swept off their feet watching the princess parade with Ariel, Jasmine, Rapunzel and Tiana.
Despite Disney on Ice Presents Jump In! being in its first season, the cast is already deeply connected to their characters and invested in making the show unforgettable. Andrew Austin, who plays Christof, and Katrina Lopez, who plays Jasmine, are both figure skaters who described the cast as a “family” and raved about the joy of connecting with both the characters they play and the audience they perform for.
“Being able to portray Christof’s essence is one of my favorite things to do,” Austin shared. “I remember watching Frozen when it came out, and Christof was my favorite character. It’s a character that I’ve connected with pretty deeply.”
Having played Christof for the last several years, he feels like he knows him personally and loves “seeing the little kids faces light up” when Christof appears on stage.
Austin says attendees’ volume so far this season indicates that the show is resonating with them.
“We’ve had some really loud crowds,” he explained. “They are really loving it.”
The holiday and singalong portions of the show are a particular hit. A singalong with Olaf and classic tunes like Jingle Bells elicits the Christmas spirit.
“With this show, audience participation is really encouraged,” said Austin, adding that during one singalong, a performer hands a random audience member a microphone. “Someone in the audience gets put on the spot,” he said with a chuckle. Singalongs include “Let it Go” from Frozen, “Try Everything” from Zootopia, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto, “Get Lost” from Moana 2, and many more.
Katrina Lopez, who plays Jasmine, has been skating since she was 3 years old. Now in her 8th season with Disney on Ice, she says when she first joined, it wasn’t a dream.
“I was just trying to figure out what to do with my life,” she explained. With time, she found it was the “perfect combination” of things she enjoys.
“I was a Disney fanatic growing up,” she shared. “It’s extremely fulfilling for me, just growing up and watching these iconic characters and always dreaming that I want to be a princess and go on all these adventures that these characters go on. It’s really amazing to be able to do that on the ice and then share that experience with the audience.”
13She makes a special effort to spot small fans dressed as Jasmine in the audience.
“I think it's really touching to be able to see the vulnerability in the kids and just how much is ahead of them,” she explained. “We try our best to get as close to the audience as possible. It’s really fun for us as well.”
While performers bring to life old and new Disney characters, they also enchant the audience with stunning acrobatics and special effects.
“Because it’s a brand new show, everyone is really excited to see it,” Lopez shared. “We not only have Disney on the ice, but also in the air because a lot of our performers are performing acrobatics.” She said the acrobatics are a crowd favorite. Her personal favorite special effect is in the new Moana 2 segment. “We get some fire on the ice in that segment,” Lopez explained. “When I got a chance to see it for the first time, I was in shock and awe. I have to say that is my favorite special effect.”
A variety of family-friendly ticket prices are available, some including special opportunities to meet characters. Purchasing a “Follow the Stars with Moana” Character Experience ticket means visitors can “meet Moana while hearing tales of her latest adventure, plus enjoy a special appearance by Mickey Mouse.” Character Experience ticket-holders can also bring personal devices to capture special photo memories.
Though they are constantly performing in new locations and interacting with audiences across the world, Austin and Lopez see a universal appreciation for the show.
“There’s a through line of family, connectedness, finding strength within yourself, and finding love within yourself,” Austin shared. “It doesn’t matter if we’re here in the States or over in Europe or in Asia, these are things that everyone can relate to.”
“I think a foundation for everyone [who attends the show] is just loving Disney characters,” Lopez shared. “So no matter where you are in the world, all those characters will be on the ice, and it is so special that we get to bring that to people.”
Disney on Ice Presents Jump In! Will show Dec. 11, 12, 13 and 14 at the Crown Coliseum. For showtimes and tickets, visit https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/disney-on-ice-2 or contact the Crown box office at 910-438 – 4100.

(Photos-Top: Donald Duck, Mickey, Minnie and Goofy kick off the newest Disney on Ice show: Jump In! Bottom: Cast members portray characters from Disney's Moana 2. Photos courtesy of Teresa Franze)

A Tradition of Magic Continues: Blume School of Dance Celebrates 56th Nutcracker

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Tuesday, 02 December 2025
Written by Katie Herring

10bThe holiday season in Fayetteville would be incomplete without the cherished tradition of Charlotte Blume School of Dance’s annual production of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent ballet, The Nutcracker. 2025 marks the 56th consecutive staging of the beloved Christmas story by the venerable institution, continuing a legacy built on artistic excellence and community spirit.
The two public performances will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, both at 3 p.m., at the Crown Theatre at 2405 Gillespie St.
The Nutcracker tells the classic Christmas Eve story of Clara, who receives a mysterious nutcracker doll from her godfather at a family party. After the doll is broken and Clara falls asleep, she awakens in a magical land where her broken toy transforms into a Prince and leads her on an enchanting adventure. The ballet is a festive showcase of dazzling choreography and music that has captured the imagination of families for generations.
The enduring success of this production is rooted in the history of its founder, Charlotte Blume, who started the school 71 years ago. Blume was a true pioneer in Fayetteville, establishing a lasting legacy that was ahead of its time.
"Charlotte Blume started a legacy, more than a tradition," said Dina Lewis, executive director of the Blume School of Dance. "She created an integrated studio at a time when segregation was still the norm; everyone was welcome."
This commitment to inclusivity remains a guiding principle today. Lewis reflected on her own experience, having directed the production for 11 years. She added, “Charlotte Blume taught me to work harder and keep trying and get better; I admired her then and admire her even more now.”
The glittering final performances are the culmination of a year-long effort. Planning for each production begins in January, almost immediately after the previous holiday’s curtains close. Auditions are traditionally held on Palm Sunday, with additional opportunities available during the summer for new students to join the ranks.
The cast, which ranges from the youngest dancers, starting at just 3.5 years old, up to seniors in high school, commits countless hours to rehearsal and preparation. Their success is a testament to the dedication of the dancers, the unwavering commitment and support from their families, and the collaboration of the wider community.
The 2025 production promises to be especially memorable, featuring a host of unique additions. This year, audiences will be treated to all brand-new costumes, bringing fresh vibrancy to the iconic scenes.
The most poignant change is the Mother Ginger number, which will be performed in honor of Sheila Mitchell, a beloved instructor who dedicated more than 50 years to the Blume School of Dance. The choreography for the piece will feature influences from Mrs. Mitchell, and notably, all the dancers performing the piece were personally influenced and trained by her over the years. It will serve as a moving tribute to a cornerstone of the school’s history.
Adding to the cast’s community flavor, the production will welcome special guest performers, including Andy Dualan, Jaron Warton, and Nicholas Campanello. All three men are either active duty or former Army servicemen, demonstrating the school's ongoing connection to Fayetteville's strong military community as they help bring the classic story to life.
With three sold-out school-day performances and two public showings, the enduring power of The Nutcracker to usher in the holiday spirit remains strong. Tickets for the public performances on Dec. 13 and 14 are available now and can be secured through the Crown Complex website at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/blume-school-of-dance-presents-the-nutcracker-1. Don't miss the chance to experience this treasured local event, a celebration of history, inclusion, and the magic of Christmas.

(Photo courtesy of Charlotte Blume School of Dance)

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