Students sat enthralled by the Christmas melodies at the annual All-University Christmas Chapel, staged by the Conservatory of Music Wednesday.

Pieces included “Joy to the World,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” and others from the 53 chorale members, numerous brass instruments, 23 string instruments, eight members of The King’s Men, and one piano. Todd Pickett, associate dean of spiritual development, encouraged students to remember that Christ “is the guest of honor” at this time.

Behind the scenes, this chapel was more than a one-day production. Under the guidance of ensemble directors and George Boespflug, director of the Conservatory, students have spent up to two or three months preparing, said Kathy Little, administrative assistant for the Conservatory. Overall, “it’s a lot of organization,” she said. Little described the participating students as “creative” and “dedicated.”

Little emphasized the tradition, saying the highlight of the chapel for her is “the inspiration of seeing our students do such an amazing job performing for the university and bringing home the meaning of Christmas in a really wonderful way.”