Just an old sweet song

The joyful tunes of the Christmas season will fill the sanctuary of Immanuel Baptist Church to kick off this holiday season, but only one instrument will be played.

A total of five grand pianos are taking center stage at the University Boulevard church for a Christmas show like none other. This show features traditional and well-known holiday songs arranged for several pianos playing in unison.

"It’s different," director Troy Stevenson said.

The idea came from the sister of one of the pianists. Her experience doing shows in Nashville has been a hit, so the show that entertains churchgoers in Music City, USA is heading south to the Permian Basin.

"It’s one of those things you have to experience," Stevenson said.

Performance dates are Dec. 5 and Dec. 6, and the pianists almost have their show down pat. After all, they’ve been rehearsing since August.

"The pianists have to rehearse on their own," Stevenson said. "It’s a challenge; it is difficult. It’s a lot of work."

The five masters of the keys all are current or former members of Immanuel Baptist Church. Some live right here in Odessa, but others drive in from Crane to play in the Christmas gala.

Admission to the piano performances is free and given last year’s popularity a third show has been added. The show begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 5, and shows are at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 6.

"You have to humble yourself," Stevenson said. "These guys are just incredible musicians."

Pianist Terri Everett said she is excited to start season two of the church’s performance.

"It’s always fun to be apart of an ensemble," Everett said. "We kept a couple of the selections from last year."

But it’s not an easy task.

Some of the classic Christmas songs like "Ava Maria" and the "Hallelujah Chorus" are complicated pieces to perform. Even on one piano.

"Some of the music itself is very hard," Everett said.

  FACT FILE
   >> Performers will be playing on five grand pianos.
   >> Because of the design of the sanctuary, no microphones are needed.
   >> Members from other churches in Odessa and Crane are in the performance.
   >> This is Immanuel Baptist Church’s second piano show.

   IF YOU GO
   >> There are a total of three shows with free admission.
   >> The shows are scheduled 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 6.
   >> Immanuel Baptist Church is at 4020 E. University Blvd.