XBC Impact Story: Fine arts spread Christmas Cheer

According to Buddy the Elf in the 2003 Christmas movie, Elf, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing [or playing] loud for all to hear”.

Through the help of Kepros Physical Therapy & Performance and the Xavier Booster Club, the Xavier Band and Vocal Music Department have and are going to be able to spread much needed cheer during this chaotic year. On Sunday, December 13, 2020, the Christmas with Xavier show carried on its annual tradition.

“Mr. [Phil] Schroetter and I felt grateful to be providing the students with a safe, musical experience and were especially happy to be able to work with students on Christmas music that we can share with our community,” Xavier’s Director of Bands Kelli Swehla said.

Although the message behind the concert was the same, bringing the joy of Christ into the lives of others, the actual concert looked very different.

“Our performance was no different than our everyday rehearsals for band and choir. All groups wore masks and were socially distanced at six feet or more at all times. The band had bell covers for their instruments. There was also a limited in-person audience,” Swehla said.

In order to share this experience with greater audiences via a Christmas Day broadcast, the programs needed help covering the costs this year due to COVID-19. Sara Kepros (L90) and her husband, Ted Kepros (L88), of Kepros Physical Therapy & Performance saw a need and stepped in.

“Their generous donation to sponsor Christmas With Xavier was and is very much appreciated,” Xavier’s Director of Vocal Music Schroetter said. “The support from our parents and local businesses is a blessing to us so that we can continue to offer traditions, like Christmas with Xavier.” 

Schroetter and Swehla are not the only ones who are excited for this concert to be available to a wider audience.

“We feel the benefits of fine arts can be overlooked at times, yet the value is profound. This pandemic has really shown us how valuable the fine arts are to our lives,” Sara said. “The concerts, musicals and performances we attend bring joy and important human connections that have sadly been lost these past few months. Being able to be a part of bringing this to the Xavier and greater Cedar Rapids communities is something we are so happy to be able to do.”

Through this sponsorship, the Kepros feel as though they are giving back to the fine arts programs at Xavier that have provided their family with many wonderful memories.

“The fine arts program at Xavier is exceptional. We are blessed with top-notch and engaging teachers that build skills and joy in music. They go above and beyond to guide learners to meet their full potential. The performances they create are some of the best in the area,” Sara said. “Our three daughters [Chloe (X19), Sophia (X24) and Avery (X24)] all participated or still participate in the fine arts and have benefited immensely.”

In addition to the wonderful support from Kepros Physical Therapy & Performance, the fine arts programs at Xavier also receive funding from the Xavier Booster Club in many ways. 

“Both choir and the band have benefited tremendously over the years and we could not function without the support of the Booster Club,” Schroetter said. “Most recently, the band was able to get new marching uniforms that replaced our previous ones that were in use for over 20 years. The choir has been able to purchase technology to aid in their learning as well as items for the show choir program.”

The Booster Club is the backbone of the activities at Xavier.

“The Booster Club is a lifeline of our activities programs,” Xavier Activities Director Adam McDonnell said. “They help support us in ways that allow our programs and teams to do the things they want to do.”

For Xavier choir senior Carlie Mauss, the generous gift from Kepros Physical Therapy & Performance and the Booster Club has allowed her to participate in a tradition she shares with her older brother, Brandon Mauss (X19).

“Being able to watch my brother perform at this concert made me want to be a part of Christmas With Xavier,” Mauss said. “Christmas With Xavier is very important to me because it is a way we get to celebrate the coming of our Savior and share the music we have been working on.”

Watch the Xavier Band and Vocal Music Department as they sing and play loud for all to hear. Christmas with Xavier will be broadcasted on KCRG on Television (Channel 9.2) at 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, due to the support of Kepros Physical Therapy & Performance and the Xavier Booster Club.