An evening of serene beauty, imaginative soundscapes, and student-led artistry awaits as the Sterling College Concert Choir presents its spring concert, “The Land of Nods,” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5 at Sterling United Presbyterian Church. The concert is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed on the Sterling College Music Facebook page.

Under the direction of Sean Foster, the program explores themes of sleep, dreaming, nighttime, and rest—inviting listeners into a reflective and atmospheric musical journey. From peaceful lullabies to evocative depictions of night and dawn, the concert weaves together a range of choral textures and styles centered on the universal human experience of rest.

A distinctive feature of this year’s concert is the prominent role of student conductors. Four Sterling College junior music majors—Copper Collins, Hannah Ellis, Taggart Reiss, and Philip Starnes – have each taken full ownership of a piece on the program. From score preparation to leading rehearsals, these students have guided their selections from start to finish, gaining valuable hands-on experience in choral leadership.

Their featured works include “As the Dawn Appears,” conducted by Reiss; “In the Morning, Joy,” led by Ellis; “Come Thou Fount,” directed by Collins; and “The Crawdad Song,” conducted by Starnes. Supporting this collaborative effort is senior Lily Stansbury, who serves as a collaborative pianist for three of the student-conducted works, adding depth and cohesion to the performance.

Among the highlights of the evening is “Afternoon on a Hill” by Eric Barnum, conducted by Foster. This vibrant and contemporary work uses innovative choral techniques to capture the joy of exploring nature before settling into evening rest. The piece will feature alumna Natalie Wedel on piano.

The concert will also include selections by the Highland Singers under the direction of Marisa Callan. The select ensemble will perform “Stardust,” “Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel),” and “Sleep,” further enriching the program’s contemplative and dreamlike atmosphere.

This performance also marks a significant moment of transition, as it will be the final concert for Marisa Callan as a member of the Sterling College faculty. A longtime leader in vocal music and musical theatre, Callan has been a cornerstone of the college’s music program, shaping generations of students and contributing significantly to the campus arts community.

“The Land of Nods” promises to be both a musical journey and a meaningful celebration—highlighting student achievement, honoring faculty contributions, and inviting audiences into a world of sound inspired by rest, reflection, and renewal.