By Jennifer Crain
When I was a kid, listening to holiday standards was a given. I’d turn the dial until “Winter Wonderland” was piping through the tinny speakers on the clock radio in my bedroom. I’d sing along with The Andy Williams Christmas Album over and over as it spun on the turntable downstairs.
But it wasn’t just that I could parrot all four verses of “Joy to the World” by the time I was eight. I loved holiday music because I sang it formally, year after year, standing on risers in the choir room: jaw dropped, cheekbones lifted, performance face on. It was fun and challenging and, when we got it right, thrilling to be part of making a beautiful sound.
As an adult, I get the same feeling all over again when I hear holiday songs performed by a group of practiced singers. The best choirs make a holiday performance cheerful, reflective and celebratory, all in the space of an hour or so. Listening is a festive way to welcome the season.
Thurston County has many opportunities for families to hear choirs perform over the next several weeks. Check out these concerts for every budget, from free to under ten dollars for kids’ tickets. (If you hurry you can even make the sing-along at St. Martin’s tonight!)
December 6
Saint Martin’s University Chorale and the American Legion Band
St. Martin’s Christmas Carol Sing-Along and Tree Blessing
Thursday, December 6
7:00 p.m. Concert Sing-Along in Marcus Pavilion
8:00 p.m. Tree Blessing and Reception in Norman Worthington Conference Center
Saint Martin’s University Campus, Lacey
FREE
Click here for more information.
December 7
Con Brio Women’s Ensemble
Fridays at the First
Friday, December 7 at 12:00 p.m., preceded by free refreshments at 11:30 a.m.
First Christian Church, Olympia
FREE
Click here for more information.
Olympia Choral Society and Olympia Youth Chorus
‘Tis the Season
Friday, December 7 at 7:30 pm
North Thurston Performing Arts Center, Lacey
FREE
Donations accepted to benefit Homeless Backpacks.
Click here for more information.
December 8
Olympia Choral Society and Olympia Youth Chorus
‘Tis the Season
Saturday, December 8 at 7:30 pm
North Thurston Performing Arts Center, Lacey
FREE
Donations accepted to benefit Homeless Backpacks.
Click here for more information.
December 9
Olympia Choral Society and Olympia Youth Chorus
‘Tis the Season
Sunday, December 9 at 2:30 pm
North Thurston Performing Arts Center, Lacey
FREE
Donations accepted to benefit Homeless Backpacks
Click here for more information.
Seattle Jewish Chorale
A Hanukkah Celebration for All!
Sunday, December 9 at 4:00 p.m.
Temple Beth Hatfiloh, Olympia
Tickets $12.00 adult, $10.00 student/senior, $6.00 children under 12; Un(der)employed, pay what you can
Click here for more information.
December 14
Olympia Youth Chorus Cantabile Choir
World Music: Holiday Music with Cantabile
Friday, December 14 at 6:30 pm
Timberland Regional Library, Olympia
FREE
Click here for more information.
December 15
Kids in Koncert – Christmas Concert
Saturday, December 15 at 2:00 pm
The Capitol Theater, Olympia
FREE, donations welcome
Click here for more information.
Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia – Brass Choir Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 15 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
First Christian Church
Tickets $10.00 adult/senior, $5.00 student, $25 Family (2 adults, 2 children)
Click here for more information.