On Dec. 19, 2025 the voices of Marymount University’s Chamber Singers filled the White House with music as the ensemble took part in one of the nation’s most exclusive holiday traditions: performing during official White House Christmas tours.
Selected as one of only 25 groups chosen from thousands of applicants nationwide, the Chamber Singers provided festive choral music for visitors as they moved through the historic rooms filled with holiday décor. The rare invitation placed Marymount on a national stage, spotlighting the talent of its students and marking a significant milestone for the University’s growing performing arts presence in the Washington, DC region.
“It was such an honor for Marymount to be chosen among so many applicants to perform at the White House,” said Dr. Kimberly Hess, liturgical music and spiritual life events coordinator at Marymount, who also serves as the choir’s director and accompanist. “The choir sang beautifully, and it was a wonderful representation of the quality of our programs and the talent of our students.”
Dr. Hess said that the White House performance was made possible through a bit of luck and a key connection with a White House staffer.
“We were actually originally selected as first-runner up, that is, the 26th group out of 25. But at the last minute, one of the groups had to drop out, so we were asked to fill their spot. Even though it was a quick turnaround, we really made the most of it.”
The White House performance is just one in a growing list of accolades for the Chamber Singers. Dr. Hess first established the Chamber Singers in 2012 while serving as an adjunct instructor of music. Under her direction, the choir performed at venues throughout the Washington metropolitan area and beyond, including the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, Virginia, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, where Dr. Hess earned her Masters in Sacred Music.
When the COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person performances, the group paused before returning when Hess joined Marymount as a full-time staff member in November of 2023.
“I wanted to bring the group back, but make it something more substantial,” Hess said. “We were able to set it up as a class that students can take for credit or as part of a minor in music.”
The Chamber Singers officially returned to campus in 2024 with 12 student members. One of those members was Nayef Imdad ’24, a criminal justice graduate who returned to Marymount to pursue a master’s degree in Information Technology.
“I have been singing for most of my life,” Imdad said. “I was born in the U.S. but spent most of my life living abroad. I sang in choirs throughout middle school and high school, and it was something I really enjoyed.”
Imdad joined the Chamber Singers in his senior year at Marymount thanks to the encouragement of friends and classmates.
“I saw that Marymount was forming a choir and my friends said, ‘You should go for it, you have a great voice!’” Imdad said. “I was hesitant at first because I didn’t want it to interfere with my studies, but once I joined, it became a source of excitement and connection for me.”
As part of the Chamber Singers, Imdad had the opportunity to perform at notable events such as the National Archives’ Fourth of July celebration in 2024 and the annual conference for the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in 2025. But he cites the White House performance as one of his all-time favorites.
“It was amazing to perform in such an important and beautiful place. There was a large crowd that stopped to listen to us and I heard that the President’s Chief of Staff even stopped by to enjoy our performance! I think I speak for everyone when I say it was an honor and a privilege to perform there.”
Senior soprano Emily Castro Martinez said that, although the performance was nerve-wracking, the support from the Marymount community was overwhelming.
“I couldn’t believe we were actually there, singing in the White House. I was so nervous! But we had almost eighty community members come out to support us and listen to us sing, and it felt amazing to be supported by our Marymount family.”
Dr. Hess said the Chamber Singers plan to build on this momentum and already have an exciting slate of performances planned for 2026, including their Spring Broadway Cabaret and a December performance of “Lessons and Carols” at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, co-sponsored by the Washington DC Chapter of American Guild of Organists.
Imdad said that he hopes to see the Chamber Singers continue to grow and gain greater recognition in the future.
“To think that we – a choir from a small local University – got to perform at such a prestigious place really says a lot about our skill and excellence,” Imdad said. “I hope that this exposure can take the Chamber Singers to great heights and help put Marymount’s program on the map.”
