Features Editor

A holiday extravaganza is being planned for 7:30 p.m. Thursday Nov. 30 at the Claudia Crosby Theater on the campus of Troy State University.

The "Sound of the South" holiday concert is a must-see event of the season.

Last year was the first holiday concert featuring all of the university’s musical groups and it was such a tremendous success that Dr. David Dye, dean of the TSU College of Communication and Fine Arts, said many of those who attended are planning their holiday schedules around the concert.

The first "Sounds of the Season" concert was held in Trojan Arena because of the renovations that were underway at Smith Auditorium and there was amble seating for everyone. However, this year the concert will be held in the newly renovated Claudia Crosby Theater and seating will be limited.

Tickets for the concert are $5 for all ages which is a great bargain for one of the most outstanding seasonal performances anywhere.

Dye stopped just short of saying "come early or don’t come at all," but he did say those who want to be assured of a ticket should purchase in advance at the Adams University Center box office or come early to purchase tickets at the door. Ticket information is available by calling 670-3293.

Those who miss "Sounds of the Season" will miss one of the most exciting and inspirational holiday programs of the season.

Dye said "Sounds of the Season" is an opportunity for the university and the community to come together to kickoff the holiday season.

"This concert brings together all of our musical groups," he said. "At no other time can you see so many different performing groups on stage at one time."

The concert will feature 11 groups, including the TSU Symphony Band, the Collegiate Singers, the Jazz Ensemble, the Chamber Choir, the Trumpet Ensemble, the Women’s Ensemble, the Flute Ensemble, the Gospel Choir, the Percussion Ensemble and the Theater Ensemble. The concert will feature vocalists Tori Lee and Daniel Martin and pianists Carolyn Marshall and Mark Windham.

A special premier performance will be given by the Troy Children’s Chorus, a 15-member choir of elementary school students organized and directed by the School of Music.

"We are so excited about the Troy Children’s Chorus and we are looking forward to their being a part of the ‘Sounds of the Season’ concert,

Dye said. "They will be such a joy to hear."

The "Sounds of the Season" concert will include a mixture of traditional, sacred and secular Christmas music, ranging from familiar pieces like "O Holy Night" and The Nutcracker’s "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies" to lesser-known works such as the Nigerian carol "Betelechemu."

The program will also feature original arrangements by Robert W. Smith, TSU’s director of bands.

The groups will create a seamless concert of holiday music, Dye said. "There will be something for everybody and we invite all of those who want to get their holiday season off the a wonderful and meaningful start to join us for this holiday concert when more than 200 performers pull out all the stops to usher in the holiday season with the beautiful "Sounds of the Season."

Refreshments will be served following the concert