Cibola Christmas concert to raise funds for Ohio tour

Although the Cibola High School choir is no longer traveling to Canada for their performance tour next year, they have recently decided to travel to Ohio instead.

“While on this trip, they will sing in many historic churches, work with two internationally renowned choral conductors from the University of Cincinnati and the Capital University Conservatory of Music, and experience many attractions throughout Columbus and Cincinnati,” said choir director Brandon Stroup.

To raise funds for the 10-day performance tour, the CHS Performing Choir, Women's Chorus, Men's Chorus and the Beginning Choir will be holding their annual Christmas concert, which is themed “Repeat the Sounding Joy” this year.

“The music being performed centers around the idea of spreading a spirit of joy and thanksgiving during this time of year,” said Stroup. “I also try to select music that is both a challenge and an enjoyment for the students to learn and perform.”

In addition to students from the CHS Choral Department, instrumentalists from the Yuma Civic Orchestra, Arizona Western College and other area high schools will also be accompanying the performance to make for a total of almost 300 performers.

A wide range of Christmas music will be featured, including traditional Christmas carols and less familiar holiday music. Stroup said that the students will perform songs such as “Joy to the World,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” “The First Noel” and “Betelehemu.”

“As with all concerts at Cibola, we try to program music that not only serves a pedagogical purpose for the students, but music that reaches audience members and performers on a deeper, emotional level, regardless of age or background,” Stroup said.

“The students involved in this event work extremely hard to present a concert that is both entertaining and professional. Each year, those in attendance comment on how impressed they are by the professionalism of the students. I think it is encouraging for people to see so many young men and women involved in a program that is so positive and uplifting, and a choral department that includes students from such various backgrounds and interests.”

The concerts will be held on Dec. 10, 11 and 12 in the Cibola auditorium, 4100 W. 20th St. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. with the performance beginning at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Tickets can be purchased from any Cibola choir student and are also available at the campus bookstore and the Gila Mountain United Methodist Church in the Foothills, 12716 North Frontage Road.

For more information about the concert or about how to donate to the student's trip to Ohio contact the CHS Fine Arts Office at 502-5903 or Ericka Nelson at 580-1849. They can also e-mail Stroup at bstroup@yumaed.org or raiderchoirs@gmail.com.

Sarah Womer can be reached at swomer@yumasun.com or 539-6858. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSSarahWomer or on Twitter at @YSSarahWomer.