USD 234 schools' instrumental groups, choirs performing holiday programs

With the holiday season in full swing and Christmas just around the corner, Fort Scott USD 234 schools are getting in the holiday spirit with a series of musical programs.

The Fort Scott High School choirs will perform at 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, at the Fort Scott Middle School commons, 1105 E. 12th St. The FSHS and FSMS bands will conduct their holiday program at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, in the high school gymnasium, 1005 S. Main St. Eugene Ware Elementary School will conduct its holiday music program, "Holiday Harmonies," at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the school's gymnasium, 900 E. Third St.

FSHS choir instructor Patricia Harry said six different choir groups will perform Monday. They include the beginning choir, the freshman ensemble, the women's ensemble, the special ensemble -- which will also perform with accomplished jazz and cabaret singer Marilyn Maye during her concert Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Liberty Theatre -- and the 104-member concert choir.

Harry said the choirs' program, which will last around an hour, will feature "music of the season" and will include classical and jazz-style holiday music. She said a dance will be performed during "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and a "very jazzy" version of "Silent Night" will be performed. Also, Harry said trumpets will be featured during one of the songs.

Thursday's band concert will also feature traditional holiday music, band director James Fox said. The concert, which Fox said will last around an hour and 15 minutes, will feature students from fifth to 12th grade.

Eugene Ware's program will feature holiday music performed by second and fourth-grade students.

Winfield Scott Elementary School conducted its holiday program, "Holiday Expressions," Thursday in the school's auditorium. The second-grade choir students, fourth-grade ensemble and fifth-grade ensemble all performed traditional holiday tunes during the program.