The year has almost ended, as has most of the holiday hoopla. However, some activities still remain to fill our winter evenings.
For instance, Marriotts Ridge High School and its main feeder schools – Mt. View Middle, Manor Woods Elementary, Waverly Elementary and West Friendship Elementary – plan to bring some mu sical cheer to the community during the second annual Choral Cluster Concert, scheduled for Jan. 6 at 7 p.m.
Each school will take the stage individually, and then all will join for two incredible final selections. Come hear these award-winning and future award-winning voices united in song.
The groups will perform in the Marriotts Ridge High auditorium, 12100 Woodford Road, in Marriottsville. For further information, contact the music directors at any of the participating schools.
The West Friendship Elementary School band will also hold its winter concert next month, scheduled for Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The students have worked hard and are excited to share what they have learned. For more details, email Amy Syversen at Amy_Syversen@hcpss.org.
I would like to include a reminder from Nancy Gaither, president of the Harbor City Music Company Show Chorus, about the group's open house Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. The award-winning HCMC ladies – who hail from all over Maryland, including Howard County – would love to share their passion for barbershop harmony and will offer attendees a free voice lesson. The venue for the open house is the Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, in Brooklyn Park. Go to http://www.harborcitymusiccompany.org to learn more.
January means more citrusy goodness from the Marriotts Ridge High School Music Foundation, which will place another order of oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines on Wednesday, January 4. Proceeds from the sale will help the music students fund their annual spring festival competition, which takes place this year in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Currently, fruit pickup is scheduled at the school Jan. 22. Go to http://www.mrhsmusic.net for pricing information or to print an order form, and email any questions to mrhsfruit@yahoo.com.
Have you made any New Year's resolutions? One of the most popular each year is to get fit, and Bon Secours Spiritual Center can help. For instance, the Center will offer an "Introduction to Zumba" workshop Jan. 8 from 3-5 p.m. What is this Latin-inspired dance fitness craze, and is it a good match for you? Find out during a fun afternoon, as instructor Deborah Maffie teaches some basic Zumba moves. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear.
Bon Secours will offer "Introduction to T'ai Chi Chih" Jan. 14 from 1-3 p.m. Described as a "moving meditation," T'ai Chi Chih helps improve focus and reduce stress. Instructor Sharon Sirkis will teach participants a series of 20 simple moves that circulate and balance the chi, one's inner life force. The moves may be done from a seated position, and people of all ages, sizes, and ability are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothing.
Both the Zumba and T'ai Chi Chih classes cost $20.
For those who have resolved to get fit spiritually, another option is Bon Secours' weekend retreat, "Praying with Henri Nouwen." Nouwen (1932-1996) was a popular priest, author, and professor whose writings continue to speak to contemporary spiritual struggles. Facilitator Gordon Creamer will help participants use Nouwen's ideas and literary works as an opportunity for personal exploration and group reflection. The retreat costs $225.
Go to http://www.bonsecoursspiritualcenter.org or call 410-442-1320 to register for any of these programs. The address is 1525 Marriottsville Road, in Marriottsville.
Have a safe and happy New Year, and remember to keep sending information about your milestones, accomplishments, and activities. I look forward to sharing your news in 2012!