Symphony and Chorale Holiday Concert is Tuesday
Beverly Cantrell - December 13, 2021 4:55 pm
Ponca City Public Schools-
The Ponca City High School Symphony Orchestra will take to the stage on Tuesday, Dec. 14 for a combined performance with the Ponca City High School Chorale. The program will begin at 7 p.m. in the Ponca City Schools Concert Hall.
The Ponca City High School Symphony Orchestra is under the direction of Paula Cochran with assistant directors Katie Rolf, Ella Gordon, and cello technician, Cassidy Broome. The Symphony winds, brass, and percussion are prepared and rehearsed by Po-Hi Band directors Dineo Heilmann, Andrew Orr, and Connor Pratt. The Ponca City High School Chorale is under the direction of Chad Keilman.
The Po-Hi Chorale opens the program with O Come, O Come Emmanuel arranged by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw. Immediately following is Bob Cerulli’s arrangement of the holiday favorite, It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, conducted by Po-Hi Symphony Orchestra director Paula Cochran. Next, the Po-Hi Symphony Orchestra will present Richard L. Saucedo’s arrangement of Greensleeves, conducted by Po-Hi Band assistant director, Connor Pratt.
We then welcome to the stage retired maestro, Dan Larson, who will lead the Po-Hi Symphony Orchestra and Chorale in a performance of Believe, a beautiful ballad from The Polar Express. Continuing the concert will be the Po-Hi Chorale performing Ed Lojeski’s arrangement of Patapan. Following this piece will be Patrick Roszell’s Holiday Mashup, conducted by Po-Hi Band Director Dineo Heilmann.
The Po-Hi Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, accompanied by the First Christian Church Renaissance Carillion Handbell Choir, will perform Hopson’s The Gift of Love, a heartwarming piece that encompasses the spirit of the season, conducted by Paula Cochran. Next, the Po-Hi Chorale will present the Theme from Elf, arranged by Daniel Grassi. Continuing the program will be Bob Phillip’s arrangement of Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24. This exciting arrangement of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra favorite will be conducted by Po-Hi Band assistant director, Andrew Orr.
Next, Dineo Heilmann returns to conduct Ryan Brandau’s arrangement of Gesu Bambino, featuring vocal soloist Shannon Varner. Following this piece, Dan Larson returns to lead the Symphony Strings in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra version of Faith Noel, arranged by Bob Phillips, featuring Cassidy Broome on electric cello. The Chorale will then present an exciting performance of Peter J. Wilhousky’s arrangement of Carol of the Bells.
Concluding the concert, Dan Larson returns to conduct Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival. The audience is invited to sing along with the Po-Hi Chorale on the traditional Christmas Songs featured in this piece.
Admission for this concert is free and the public is cordially invited to attend.
