Mr. Arkenberg has long been associated with the choral music scene in Chicago. While pursuing his studies at DePaul University, he became Music Director at Saint Clement’s Church in Lincoln Park, a position he held for 15 years.

Noted for his recruitment skills, as well as his expertise in the choral arts, his Saint Clement Concert Choir performed Handel’s Messiah to sell-out audiences for 14 consecutive seasons. Performances of the Fauré Requiem, the Mozart Requiem and Beethoven’s Mass in C-Major were part of the repertoire.

Mr. Arkenberg moved to Santa Monica, California in 1989 to pursue his Master’s and Doctoral studies in Choral Music at the University of Southern California. While there on full scholarship, he was the Assistant Conductor of the USC Chamber Singers and was responsible for their West Coast Tour in 1994.

He has studied with Rodney Eichenberger, Henry Mazer, Paul Salamunovich, William Dehning, James Vail, Roger Wagner, Robert Shaw, and Helmuth Rifling. His choirs have toured Europe on three occasions. Presently, Mr. Arkenberg is Music Director at Saint Nicholas Church in Evanston. He also teaches music at Alphonsus Academy and Center for the Arts.

Scott would like to especially thank the School Sisters of Saint Francis of Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the many values, integrity as well as a deep love of music and the Catholic Church that they instilled in him as a child. Special thanks to Srs. Amabilia, Melvin, John Marie (Margaret Gazdik), Dorita, Judea, Herlinda, Mariangela, Valenta, Mary Jane, Charissima, Theophane Hytrek, and Barbara Niemeyer.

Rob Elgas joined NBC5 News in Chicago in August 2002 as a general reporter. Rob came to NBC5 from the ABC affiliate in El Paso, Texas where he anchored their two-hour morning program. Rob joined KVIA-TV in 1998 as an anchor/producer of the station’s weekend newscasts. He also reported for the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts. In July 2000, Rob joined “Good Morning, El Paso,” the morning news show. Prior to the El Paso station, Rob worked for the NBC affiliate in Champaign for more than three years. His duties included photographer (‘one-man band’), reporter, fill-in anchor, and even weather forecaster. He says his experience provided valuable insight.

Born in Arlington Heights and raised in Crystal Lake, Rob calls Chicago home. “My ultimate career goal was to return to my hometown and work in the greatest city in America. And, hopefully, watch the Bears win another Superbowl in person!”

Rob attended the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana, studying broadcast journalism and agricultural communications. He is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. His family now lives in southern Texas, near the border of Mexico — a place Rob calls his “home away from home”. Drop Rob a line at: rob.elgas@nbc.com.

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area, Joe is happy to have found a home away from home in Saint Josaphat’s Parish. His musical ambitions and eagerness to experience another part of the country led him to DePaul University’s School of Music where he is in the midst of honing his musical education. Joe learned to love music at an early age, beginning with piano and voice, and later trumpet, guitar, and bass. For many years, he sang with the Raggazi Boys Choir based in the San Francisco Bay area. This is Joe’s third year working with the Holiday Pops Chorus and he is excited about this year’s performance. Joe says, “It’s a real pleasure working with Scott and the singers to make this a successful year for the parish and the local community! Good luck, congratulations and the MERRIEST of Christmases!”

This young and energetic mixed voice choral group of about 90 singers is made up of amateur singers from Saint Josaphat Church as well as the surrounding community. The mainstay of the group is the parish’s Gallery Singers, a liturgical ensemble that provides music at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday liturgies throughout the year. All are welcome to be part of their ranks: high school aged through adult. The group has sung for celebrations at Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral as well as performances of Handel’s Messiah (1996-2000), Mozart’s Requiem (1997), and Vivaldi’s Gloria (1998), as well as Mendelssohn’s Elijah (2005). They have also performed on occasion with the Ravenswood String Quartet. The 2006 Holiday Pops Concert marks their 6th collaboration with the Southport Symphony Orchestra and they are delighted to be working with this prestigious group once again!

This professional group of musicians come together to perform each and every Christmas for our annual presentation of the Holiday Pops. The group is made up of professional musicians who regularly play in the music scene in Chicago. Many are long members of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra as well as the Grant Park Symphony. The musicianship of the group is phenomenal and it is a privilege and honor to work with such a stellar group of seasoned musicians. The group has been recruited for the evening's performance through Mr. Robert Rushford of San Diego, California and the Chicago Federation of Musicians.