With the holidays fast approaching, a number of local high schools have scheduled community concerts for the coming weeks to help get people in the yuletide spirits.
The RSU 29 Music Department will present its high school band and chorus concert on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the Community Arts Center at 7 p.m. A mix of holiday music, traditional literature and contemporary sounds will fill the HHS auditorium, according to Jason Anderson, RSU 29 choral director.
“Christmas carols … with a twist will feature holiday tunes you think you know, twisted just slightly to reflect contemporary harmonies and modern rhythmic approaches,” Anderson said. “Featuring a gospel number, an homage to the great jazz pioneer Dave Brubeck, a traditional Austrian carol in the German language, a breathtaking modern setting of ‘Away in a Manger,’ and a slightly skewed ‘Jingle Bells,’ among others, the high school chorus will impress with their sensitivity to the art of making superior choral music.”
The Camerata, featuring singers from the high school chorus, will also help put people in the holiday spirit with a Nigerian Christmas carol and a seasonal offering from musical satirist Peter Schickele (better known as P.D.Q. Bach).
“If you aren’t feeling the spirit of the season yet, you certainly will following the high school winter concert,” Anderson said.
There is no cost to attend the concert, but donations will be accepted at the door for the music program.
The following night, on Wednesday, Dec. 12, Houlton Southside School will hold its band concert 7 p.m. and is also free to the community.
“The grade 5/6 chorus from Southside School will present four songs to help family and friends ring in the holiday season,” Anderson said. “‘A Winter Fantasy’ mashes an original tune with the familiar ‘Jingle Bells,’ ‘A Christmas Crossword,’ features a special message to family and friends from the singers, ‘Homeward Bound’ is a sensitive piece reflecting the mood of fall and the changing season and ‘A Calypso Noel’ will get you in the holiday — and tropical — frame of mind. Our singers are primed to entertain and help you feel warm and inviting this holiday season! Come help us celebrate the middle of our performing season.”
And on Thursday, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m., the second grade concert will be held at Houlton Elementary School.
GHCA elementary students to hold Christmas concert
Greater Houlton Christian Academy (GHCA) pre-K through sixth grades invite the community to share in an evening of Christmas music and a message of hope and peace. GHCA is grateful to the Wesleyan Church for once again hosting the GHCA Christmas Concert on Monday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
“Jane Zimmerman, Sarah Graham and Sue Stewart will once again be leading our children through an evening program that’s sure to be a blessing to all,” said John Bishop, head of school. “This year’s Christmas program is titled, ‘Spread the News’ and includes some of your favorite Christmas hymns. To use an oft quoted phrase, it will be a reminder to all of us that Jesus is the reason for the season.”
Sixth graders will be presenting some readings from Joni Eareckson Tada that are going to warm the hearts of attenders.
For more information, call 532-0736.
Other concerts
The Hodgdon High School band, under the direction of Kelly Ellis, will perform its holiday concert on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. The doors open at 6 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but a donation jar will be available. For more information, call 532-2413.
Grades 4 and 5 will perform on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Hodgdon Mill Pond School, while the middle school band and chorus will host a concert on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mill Pond School gymnasium.
Katahdin Middle and High School will hold its winter concert on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the school gymnasium. The choral group is under the guidance of Bonnie Cox, while Ethan Edmondson directs the band.
On Thursday, Dec. 13, Southern Aroostook Community School will hold its winter performance at 6:30 p.m. with elementary students performing. The high school students will spend the day on Tuesday, Dec. 18, singing Christmas carols at various nursing homes in southern Aroostook.
