By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

MORROW - While her friends were readying Halloween costumes last October, Rebecca Loomis was learning Christmas music.

Belmont students perform an ensemble during "Christmas at Belmont," a program featuring the talent of Belmont University's School of Music. Broadcast nationally on PBS, "Christmas at Belmont" will air locally on December 25 at 9 p.m. on Channel 48.

Rebecca, of Morrow, and six other Southwest Ohio students attending Nashville's Belmont College will appear in the national PBS broadcast of Christmas at Belmont (9 p.m. Thursday, Channel 48), hosted by Nashville's Brenda Lee.

"I am excited. I heard it turned out good - that's all I know,'' said Loomis, 19, a 2002 Little Miami High School graduate. "I haven't seen it yet but I've told a lot of people about it. The tape came during the beginning of final exams.''

For the program, Belmont's symphony orchestra - Loomis is a violinist - percussion ensemble and jazz quintet join forces with more than 300 student voices and the Nashville Children's Choir.

Junior Evan Owens of Cheviot is just as excited as Loomis. Although the tenor has sung publicly with his band, the cameras made him nervous, which enhanced his performance.

"I've never been to a production that had the number of cameras and movements,'' said Owens, 21, a 2001 Walnut Hills High School graduate. "At the same time I was excited. It challenged me. The true performer in all of us comes out.''

As a second section violins leader, Loomis said it was her responsibility "to make sure all the bows are going in the same direction. So there's a little bit of pressure to do it right.''

It's worked for the Benton group, which last year performed on regional television.

Other Belmont students from Southwest Ohio who perform on Thursday's program are:

• Erin Kiley, Union Township, Glen Este High School (Class of 2003).

• Gabriel Mudd, Liberty Township, Seven Hills Upper School (2002).

• Kylie Parks, Liberty Township, Lakota West (2001).

• Benjamin Perrin, Union Township, Glen Este High School (2001).

• Katie Sluka, Symmes Township, 2003 Sycamore High School graduate (2003).

On the air

What: Christmas at the Belmont

When: 9 p.m. Thursday

Where: WCET, Channel 48

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E-mail suek@infionline.net