After a year’s absence, the traditional and contemporary Christmas music program Christmas in Our Hometown returns to the Salem Community Theatre this weekend. Coordinator Debbie Woodruff says after the show was cancelled last year, everyone dusted off their instruments and picked up where they left off. She notes with five band and music teachers as members, they drafted a number of young people to join the community band. Woodruff says members range from 7th grade to 76 years of age.
“I think it’s very interesting and that will be how this group can sustain itself. We have to continue to get new and younger musicians involved in the project and that gets the word out in the community, involves more people, gets the word out to more students and motivates them more. Gives them more enthusiasm about music in general because they are playing more challenging music because they are playing with adults.”
Iuka Band Director Matt Webster is the conductor of the orchestra.
“Three major full band pieces. We have 2 or 3 that are more jazz band style pieces, which are smaller where the whole band isn’t playing just certain members. And then we have some pieces with the choir which are choir/band pieces. And then 5 or 6 audience sing-along with Christmas Carols.”
The performances are set for Friday and Saturday night at seven pm.
Tickets are five dollars and are available at the Salem Community Theatre office, Salem City Hall, Sam Phillips CPA office or by contacting Dana Luse at 618-292-3885.
Salem Community Choir in audition for this weekend’s Christmas program. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
