HHS Holiday Concert Premiers Thursday

The Hornell High School vocal music program will hold a holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. in the auditorium.

The concert will feature performances by the Show Choir, Jazz Choir, Senior High Choir, Junior High Choir and Treble Choir. Students will perform a blend of traditional holiday music along with more modern songs celebrating the season. There also will be a special guest appearance from the HHS Brass Ensemble, as well as various local musicians accompanying the vocal groups.

During December, the Show and Jazz choirs performed 20 concerts in Hornell, Canisteo and Bath. Many of the performances were held in senior rest homes, said Chris van Leeuwen, HS director of vocal music.

“One of the guiding principles of the HHS Vocal Music Program is to spread cheer and happiness during the holiday season. We bring concerts and memories to those unable to make it to our larger traditional concerts at the school,” van Leeuwen said. “Aside from the music, our show and jazz choirs spend time talking with their audiences in an effort to build community and relationships year after year.”

He added that the HHS Vocal Music Program is gearing up for competition, this year in Williamsburg, Va. in April 2019. Donations are always welcome and checks can be made out to HHS Choirs.

Thursday’s concert is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

5 traditional holiday music concerts in and around Chicago

Holiday Harmonies
Ravinia's Bennett Gordon Hall, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park,

Sat., Dec. 10, 5 p.m.

Choral conductor Robert Shaw was known for his arrangements and recordings of Christmas music, and this concert of his work features his protegee Sylvia McNair as well as Vocality, the new chorus created by Chicago Children's Choir director Josephine Lee. Program includes favorites like “Winter Wonderland” and “O Holy Night.”

DuPage Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Sweets and Musical Treats
North Central College's Wentz Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville

Sun., Dec. 10, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

This family holiday concert features traditional songs celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah, as well as songs marking the end of one year and the start of a new one. Program includes “Sleigh Ride“ and “Jingle Bells Forever” as well as the more modern classic “Polar Express.” It's possible that the man of the hour from the North Pole will make an appearance, too.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Merry, Merry Chicago
Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago

Dec. 16-17 and 22-23, Times vary

Traditional carols are a focus of this event that is a tradition itself, marking its 60th anniversary this year. There are also sing-alongs of festive favorites and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The CSO recommends that concert attendees be age 5 or older. You can also enjoy pre-concert holiday music from community ensembles 45 minutes before each concert.

Merry Tuba Christmas
Palmer House Hilton Grand Ballroom, 17 E. Monroe St., Chicago

Sat., Dec. 23, 12:30 p.m.

Tuba Christmas is an event that started more than four decades ago and is going strong around the world. The Chicago performance will be held in the Palmer House and conducted by Colonel Bryan Shelburne, Commander U.S. Army Band, (retired). This is a particularly great event for elementary-age kids who play brass in the school band. Organizers encourage audience members to bring a non-perishable food item which will be distributed to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.