Share your holidays with Hartnell College as its musical groups regale you with seasonal favorites.

The Hartnell College Community Chorus is first up with a Winter Rose Concert on Monday, December 8, 2008, at 8 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Performing Arts Center, room 125, on the main campus in Salinas. Join the chorus, conducted by Robin McKee Williams, and accompanied by Claire Vincent, as they welcome special guest artists the Hartnell String Quartet, the Salinas High School Chamber Singers, and soloists Kyla Knox, Laura Bell, and Steve Knapp. The musicians will perform selections from Handel’s Messiah, The Winter Rose Cantata, and traditional Spanish and Jewish music.

Next, on Tuesday, December 9, at 7:30 p.m., the Hartnell College Community Band conducted by Dr. Carl Christensen, presents Ritmos Latinos on the Main Stage of the Performing Arts building. The band will perform exciting selections from Latin America, and selections to celebrate the 90th birthday anniversary of Leonard Bernstein and the 100th anniversary of Leroy Anderson. Band and recorder students from the Washington Union School District will be our special musical guests.

On Wednesday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m., the Hartnell Choir and Chamber Singers, under the direction of Sandy Rudo, present their Holiday Choral Festival. Jane Orzel accompanies the groups at this Main Stage concert, performing holiday selections and Ding Dong Merrily on High; Still Still Still; My Country, ‘Tis of Thee; and selections from Mamma Mia. The choirs invite you to an open dress rehearsal that Wednesday morning at 10:15 a.m.

On Thursday, December 11, the Hartnell College Community Orchestra presents A Night at the Symphony at 7:30 p.m. on the Main Stage theater. Dr. Carl Christensen conducts, with a performance of The Great Symphony in C Major by Franz Schubert, plus holiday favorites.

Finally, on Monday, December 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Performing Arts building, the Hartnell College Jazz Ensemble presents Winter Jazz, directed by Dr. Carl Christensen. This concert will feature classic swing, jazz and Latin music.

All concerts are free and open to the public, though donations may be requested at the concerts. No tickets are required. Parking is available in the parking structure on Central Avenue across from Central Park. For further information please call the Music Department at 831-755-6906 or 770-7090.