Spark your holiday spirit at the Annual Holiday Gala Concert on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. at the Frank Center Theater on the campus of Shepherd University.

All are welcome to this warm, inspiring, and humorous holiday musical tradition at Shepherd University. This concert weaves stories and poetry about light in a season of reflection throughout history and culture with a rich tapestry of musical offerings by the major ensembles of the Department of Music.

This years Holiday Gala will feature performances by the Shepherd University Wind Ensemble directed by Dr. Scott Hippensteel, the Jazz Ensemble directed by Dr. Kurtis Adams, the Chamber Singers, Camerata Singers, Mens Choir, and Concert Choir directed by Dr. Erik Jones, with narration by Dr. Rob Tudor.

The Sunday matinee will be a special treat for children and their families. In addition to the concert performance, there will be a sing-along led by Dr. Rob Tudor, chairman of the Department of Music, an instrument petting zoo for all ages hosted by music fraternities of Shepherd University; Eta Tau Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota and Xi Epsilon Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. There will also be a special guest appearance by Santa Claus at the Sunday matinee!

General admission for the Saturday evening Holiday Gala Concert is $20 for adults, $18 for SU faculty/staff, seniors 55+, and $10 for students ages 18 and under, and free for Shepherd students with Rambler ID. Special pricing for the Sunday matinee is $15 adults, $10 for SU faculty/staff, seniors 55+, and $5 for students ages 18 and under, and free for Shepherd students with Rambler ID. For the Sunday matinee children age 5 and under, accompanied by an adult are FREE. Seating is limited and all concertgoers must obtain a ticket. Purchase tickets at the Frank Center Lobby Box Office one hour prior to the performances. Advance tickets are available at www.sufom.org or (304) 876-5765 until Dec. 5, 3 p.m.

The Friends of Music is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports and promotes musical excellence at Shepherd University and throughout the region. For tickets, subscriptions, and all FOM information please visit www.sufom.org, Facebook: www.facebook.com/sufom, Twitter: @FriendsMusicSU, or contact: 304.876.5765, friends@sufom.org.