Ghoultide Scarols

Reimagine “The Night Before Christmas” teeming with memorable Halloween characters and punctuated by appropriately macabre music. 

That’s what’s in store at “Ghoultide Scarols,” an interactive Halloween concert at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, in Herrick Chapel.

The free public concert begins with J.S. Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in D minor performed by Organist Linda Bryant. Students then present “Ghoultide Scarols” by Thomas Pavlechko.

“Ghoultide Scarols” is based on “Twas All Hallow’s Eve,” a takeoff on “The Night Before Christmas.” The poem, told through narrative and song, chronicles the adventures of Ghoulies who set out for a night of trick-or-treating and encounter memorable characters along the way.

“Scarols” are Yuletide carols set in a minor key with spooky accompaniments and Halloween words. Among the “scarols” featured in Grinnell’s concert are “Deck the Halls with Web and Spider,” “Here We Come A-Scaroling,” and “We Wish You a Spooky Ghoultide.”

Student a cappella group Noteworthy, directed by Ben Vaughn ’15, leads the singing. The concert features Bryant and organ students Peter Aldrich ’15, Taylor Dabney ’15, Lee Li ’18, and Alice Loewenson ’18. Lizzie Eason ’17 and Harrison Barr ’18 serve as narrators, and there’s even a role for the audience.

Audience members are encouraged to come in costume. The concert is co-sponsored by the Office of the Chaplain and the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice.

Please call 641-269-3235 for more information, and for answers to questions concerning access and accommodation for a disability.