The Salem Community Theatre and Cultural Center in partnership with the Salem Community Theatre will present this year’s holiday concert, ‘Christmas by the Fireside’ this Friday and Saturday night.
Debbie Woodruff who heads the annual program says both the Community Band and Chorus will perform.
“We are up in numbers. We have really large choir this year, 45 vocalists and we are doing a number of traditional carols and some fabulous soloist voices. We have 50 members in the band ranging in age from junior high to early 80s.”
Woodruff believes the numbers are continuing to grow because of the number of performances being put on by the band and choir. She also notes music is one thing people can continue to do as they get older, noting one person who set their instrument down 50 years ago just joined and is quickly renewing her skills.
The choir is led by Franklin Park Band Director Andrew Steininger.
“We’ve got a collection of songs from traditional Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas to more Latin inspired stuff called Holiday Tango and the idea is that Christmas music has a unique opportunity for us to showcase a bunch of different styles and ways of singing.”
Steininger notes the second half of the show will feature a number of sing-along pieces.
Iuka Band Director Mathew Webster will direct the band.
“I’ll be focusing mainly on the band only pieces. We have a nice selection. Several melodies that are a little different treatment than you usually here. Some nice arrangements so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Tickets are on sale for $5.00 per person and are on sale now at Salem City Hall, the Salem Theatre and Sam Phillips CPA office. The doors to the theatre open at 6:30 each evening. The show follows at seven both nights.
Part of the Salem Community Choir rehearses prior to the Christmas Concert Friday and Saturday nights. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
