LHS' Wind Ensemble performs its winter concert on Dec. 10 along with the Symphonic Band.

In these days of belt-tightening in families throughout our community, the Lakewood City Schools music department provides a wonderful and affordable way to enjoy some uplifting holiday entertainment for just a few dollars. The district’s acclaimed music program will be putting on performances nearly every weeknight as the holiday school break approaches.

The season starts off with a 9th Grade Choir and Band Concert on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium. The high school debut for these performers will include a music selection from a variety of styles and time periods. The Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble bring their festive sound to the stage on Thursday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. at the Civic when they perform band standards peppered with holiday fare as well. The high point for the Wind Ensemble will be Percy Grainger’s “Lincolnshire Posy.”

A highlight of the holiday shows is the annual Lakewood High School Choral Holiday Concert on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Civic. Directed by Dr. Lisa Hanson, the concert will feature the Symphonic Mixed Choir, Symphonic Treble Choir, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Vive L’Four.  The concert will begin with the traditional candlelight processional in the house of the auditorium.  Some pieces to be performed by the choirs include “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” “This Little Babe,” Britten’s “This Little Babe,” and “What Wondrous Fragrance,” featuring oboist Jonathan Snyder, who was recently selected as a member of the prestigious National Honors Orchestra.

In keeping with tradition, alumni of the choir will be invited to participate with the singing of “Carol of the Bells,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” the Lutkin "Benediction" and the Lakewood High School “Alma Mater.”  

The orchestra ensembles take their turn on Thursday, Dec. 17, also at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic.

The musicians performing at such an accomplished level at the high school cut their performance teeth during their years in middle school. Come see the current crop of 6th, 7th and 8th graders at the district’s two middle school concerts. Harding holds its show on Thursday, Dec. 3 and Garfield performs on Monday, Dec. 7. Both shows are at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic.

And what would be a holiday season without our youngest performers’ irrepressible shows at the elementary schools where dramatists, instrumentalists, singers and even tap dancers will take the stage. For a full calendar of performances, please visit the Performing Arts page on the district web site: www.lakewoodcityschools.org. Tickets for all Civic Auditorium performances are $3 for adults, $2 for students and $1 for seniors. Can’t beat it!