If you are looking for some outstanding concerts to attend in the next few weeks, Towson High School's music program will be performing on several occasions, both at the school and in the community.
Towson's traditional Winter Concert is on Dec. 11 and features all levels of the orchestra, including performances by the GT guitar class.
On Dec. 16, the Towson High Band, including wind and percussion ensembles and the honors jazz ensemble, will perform. Two days later, on Dec. 18, all choral groups will perform at the school. All music programs are under the direction of David Rhen, John Olin, and Derrick Jackson.
Concerts are free and begin at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. Attendees are encouraged to arrive as early as 6 p.m. to socialize and enjoy snacks in the cafeteria.
On Dec. 22, Towson High's Honors Jazz Ensemble will perform at The Shops At Kenilworth at 7 p.m. This event, like the other concerts, is free and open to the public.
"Performing for an audience provides students with an opportunity to find out how they will perform under pressure," said Nancy Paulis, president of Towson's Music Boosters group. "This skill can come in handy for almost anything in life, like tests, job interviews or presentations. Keeping their eyes on the goal of performing offers encouragement for learning and provides a framework for practicing."
Paulis, a former elementary vocal music teacher in Baltimore County, added that students learn important skills, such as time management and discipline, in their preparation. According to Paulis, many of the students in Towson's music program go on to qualify for the All-County Honors Ensembles and All-State Ensembles.
Olin, of Loch Raven Village, has taught at Towson High for 10 years. "In the study of music, 95 percent is process. It all comes together in that final 5 percent, the culminating event that showcases the hard work they have been doing."
Olin states that their musicians are performing somewhere in the community at least once every month.
"We have had a huge increase in the number of musicians in our program," said Olin. "We put in 110 percent in everything we do, and our students show it with their very high quality performances."
If you are looking for a place to sing along during the holiday season,
Providence United Methodist Church will be holding a Candlelight Carol Communion Service at 11 p.m. on Dec. 24. Guests and parishioners are welcome to sing communion service prayers and familiar Christmas carols during the service. All are welcome.