Kick off the holidays with a free concert by St. Cecilia Music Center's adult Grand Band and String Orchestra

The Grand Band and String Orchestra at St. Cecilia Music Center are comprised of community members who find joy in playing and performing music together

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – St. Cecilia Music Center’s Adult Grand Band and String Orchestra will kick off the holidays with an uplifting free concert on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 7p.m. The two musical groups consist of adults between the ages of 13 - 94 who love to play and practice music throughout the year and who gather together to perform during the holidays “for the joy of it.”

SCMC Executive Director Cathy Holbrook says, “These are musicians comprised of community members who want to explore and develop their love of music and who enjoy playing their instrument with others who have the same passion. We provide high-quality music training and performance opportunities for adults in our community and this is their holiday concert where the public can see and experience joyful music making.”

The concert will include performed music as well as a holiday sing-along with the audience. Some of the pieces to be performed include Frank Ticheli’s “Joy”, John Phillip Sousa’s “Manhattan Beach March” and other selections. The two ensembles will join together to perform LeRoy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” followed by a Christmas carol performance and sing along with the audience.

According to Paul Keen, Conductor of the Adult Grand Band, “people who attend the event will love the lively, upbeat nature of this performance. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season - the audience always enjoys it!”

The free concert will begin at 7 p.m. on December 3 at St. Cecilia Music Center, located at 24 Ransom Ave. NE in Downtown Grand Rapids. For more information contact St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224 or see www.scmc-online.org.

For more information about joining the Adult Grand Band or the String Orchestra at St. Cecilia Music Center, contact Martha C. Bundra, Education Director at [email protected] or call 616-459-2224 x206.

For 133 years St. Cecilia Music Center has upheld its mission of promoting the appreciation, study and performance of music in order to enrich the lives of the residents of West Michigan. Today, St. Cecilia Music Center is known by audiences and artists alike as one of the finest establishments to hear and see world-renowned musicians. Music education for youth and adults is also a core part of SCMC's mission.  The building at the corner of Ransom and Fulton Streets was built in 1894 and has been in continuous operation as a music center since that time. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to educational programs and a vibrant concert series including top-name jazz artists, chamber musicians from The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and touring folk musicians as part of the Acoustic Café Series. Over 300 local music students are a part of SCMC’s music ensemble program designed to develop their expertise in jazz, classical and other musical genres.

St. Cecilia Music Center’s mission is to promote the study, appreciation and

performance of music in order to enrich the lives of West Michigan residents.

The Center fulfills this mission by

presenting visiting world-class artists in concert,

providing music education for all ages through our School of Music and

preserving a historic building for musical activities and community events

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