The Troy University College of Communication and Fine Arts and the John M. Long School of Music will present “The Sounds of the Season – Illuminations 2011” concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Claudia Crosby Theater. The holiday concert is free and open to the public.

Dr. Maryjo Cochran, dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts, said “The Sounds of the Season” will be a wonderful way to open the holiday season.

“Our community will have an opportunity to share in the holiday spirit by listening to some fabulous Christmas classics,” Cochran said. “There will be a variety of both religious and secular music that anybody would enjoy, from lap children through senior citizens. It’s a wonderful way to ring in the Christmas holidays.”

The concert will feature selections by the Troy University Concert Chorale, Symphony Band, Collegiate Singers and Jazz Ensemble.

The Concert Chorale’s features will be “Glory to God in the Highest” and “Let the Heavens Rejoice.”

The Symphony Band will be showcased in “Sleigh Ride,” “Bring a Torch, Janette Isabella,” “A Christmas Festival,” and “The Nutcracker.”

The Jazz Ensemble will delight the audience with its rendition of “Let It Snow” and “Winter Wonderland.” Dr. Michael Hix will join the Jazz Ensemble for “White Christmas.”

The Collegiate Singers will be feature in “Salvation is Created.”

Special selections will include “Marley’s Ghost,” a reading by Michael Orlofsky; “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” Frequency; “O Holy Night,” Drs. Meg Jackson and Robbie Gibson and “Silent Night,” Dr. Robbie Gibson.

The concert will end with the inspirational, “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Cochran said that the concert will also open the 2011 Middle School Southeastern United States Honor Bands and Clinic and the talented young musicians will attend the concert.

“So we encourage everyone to come early because the theater will be packed,” she said.

Immediately following the concert, the lighting ceremony for the Troy University Christmas Tree will be held on the Bibb Graves Quad and everyone is invited to attend.

Dr. and Mrs. Jack Hawkins Jr. will be there to share in the celebration as the university ushers in the Christmas season.