High school students join UAB choirs in song for “Christmas at the Alys” on Dec. 5

Usher in the season with traditional holiday favorites and standard choral classics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's annual Christmas at the Alys concert Thursday, Dec. 5.

This annual celebration of the season features performances from UAB's choral ensembles with area high school choirs, presented by the College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Music. More than 200 voices will join in singing "Carol of the Bells" and "O Holy Night." Selections will be presented from various points of the hall, so the audience will be surrounded by sound.

The concert will be at 7 p.m. in UAB's Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $10 for the public and free for UAB students and senior citizens. Visit AlysStephens.org or call 205-975-2787 for tickets.

Christmas at the Alys started in 2001. The concert has since grown into a community-wide celebration of the holiday season, says UAB Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of Music Brian Kittredge, DMA. Accompanying the choirs is the UAB Trumpet Ensemble, conducted by James Zingara, DMA.

Featured choirs include the UAB Concert Choir, conducted by Kittredge; Helena High School Combined Choirs, conducted by Alicia LaGrone; Calera High School, conducted by UAB alum Madison McCugh; Springville High School Tiger Chorale, conducted by Harrison Hornsby; and Indian Springs Chamber Choir, conducted by Lee Wright.

Gathering in song in a beautiful facility surrounded by top-notch musicians is truly a wonderful experience for all in attendance, says LaGrone, Helena High School's choral director.

"This event is greatly anticipated by both our singers and their families," she said. "It is the best way to spread feelings of hopefulness and cheer for the season."

This event is sponsored in part by Viva Health.