The Barton Music Department will take its audience down memory lane and beyond as it hosts a Holiday Variety Show at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, in the Fine Arts Auditorium.
BCC Director of Chorale Activities Vern Fryberger said Christmas music often sparks memories of the listeners’ childhood. “We know that this type of music hits people a lot of different ways.  It’s sentimental and joyous; it can be happy or sad in a reminiscent kind of way, and it just brings about so many intense emotions I think than most other music does depending on people’s different personal experiences.”
Fryberger said the performance will focus on several different types of performances in a unique format.
“Rather than just do a standard concert, we want this to be more entertainment oriented, so it’s designed as more of a variety show,” he said.  “We also want to give our students a wide range of experiences in performing in various formats.”
Solo and small ensembles have been created just for the show.
“We will have several smaller ensembles that don’t perform otherwise throughout the year and some solos of some more contemporary Christmas songs that are currently popular,” he said.  “There will also be some that are completely a capella.”
The concert will feature Christmas music performed by Barton’s Concert Choir, Hilltop Singers, and Barton Jazz Ensemble.  Selections will include traditional sacred and secular Christmas music as well as several solos and duets.
“We think this show is a really good way to break into the whole holiday season and get things going,” Fryberger said.  “We’ve got some really talented students and community members and the audience will hear some really fine performances.”
Admission to the concert is $5, with all proceeds going to benefit the Barton Music Department. Students will be admitted for free with an ID.