The OBU/Shawnee Community Orchestra performs during Hanging of the Green.

The combined choirs and orchestra perform during Hanging of the Green.

Outstanding seniors hang wreaths around Raley Chapel during the event.

Dr. Stephen Sims, assistant professor of music, sings during Hanging of the Green.

Members of the orchestra perform beautiful holiday music during the event.

University Celebrates Annual Hanging of the Green Dec. 7

December 10, 2019

OBU hosted the 82nd annual Hanging of the Green Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium. The program featured performances of holiday music by a wide variety of musical groups, as well as special recognition of outstanding seniors.

The first Hanging of the Green ceremony at OBU was held in WMU Memorial Hall. After the singing of carols, representatives from all dormitories lit candles of good will and carried the light to their own houses. The custom of Hanging of the Green has continued, though it moved in 1945 to the newly completed Brittain Hall Library, in 1957 to the University Auditorium and in 1961 to Raley Chapel.

Various musical groups performed including the OBU/Shawnee Community Orchestra, Shawnee Honor Choir and the Concert Choir. OBU’s acapella group, True Voice, also performed. The Bisonette Glee Club and the Bison Glee Club likewise performed. Finally, all choirs and orchestras performed together, with the University Chorale closing out the performance.