The Antioch Community High School musicians are planning another successful concert, this one focused on the joy of the holiday season. The ACHS band, choir and orchestra students will give a combined concert on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. in the ACHS auditorium. Their program blends newer, festive songs with old, familiar carols.

The combined winter concert is a longstanding tradition at ACHS and encourages strong bonds between each group of singers and instrumentalists. “Christmas Festival,” which is the closing piece, has been performed for several years by both band and choir students. It is a medley of classic Christmas carols, ending with a glorious wishing of “Happy holidays!” from the students.

However, this year the combined concert brings problems, too. The extremely large size of the audience and the number of musicians “makes it a logistical nightmare,” said choir director Trey Hickey. “There will be hundreds of parents vying for seats that will fill up quickly,” he said.

Regardless, audiences can look forward to the choir’s “Hope For Resolution,” an anti-African apartheid piece that was introduced at last year’s concert. “Amid the Falling Snow,” by popular artist Enya, should be another audience favorite. In this song, the Symphony Orchestra will be accompanying the singers.

“I like the different styles in it, it sounds awesome,” said senior Wesley Skym about “Variations on Deck the Hall.” This song combines several versions of the classic song. As the leader of HarMENy, a student-led, all-male A cappella group, Skym is also excited for their piece “Stand by Me.”

“It’s challenging and something I haven’t done before,” said freshman Booker Grass about “Sleigh Ride,” played by the Percussion Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra and Advanced Wind Ensemble all together.

“I get to play the part that sounds like a horse,” he said.

The song is a favorite among ACHS students. They also find the song to be difficult.

“‘Sleigh Ride’ has always been my favorite Christmas song,” said senior clarinetist Maia Wehling. “So, needless to say, I’m very excited that Advanced Wind is doing so this year.”

“‘Sleigh Ride’ is a bit tricky, but if we really try, it’s going to be really good,” said sophomore violin player Quintin Tallian.

Holiday classics will also be performed at concert. These include the iconic “White Christmas” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”

“In my family, Bing Crosby is the chosen soundtrack of the holidays. I have so many memories regarding his rendition of ‘White Christmas’ and I’ll definitely be looking to it for inspiration in the coming months. There’s no doubt that people will be singing along in the audience and, as a performer, it makes for a fantastic experience,” said Wehling. The Advanced Wind Ensemble will be playing “White Christmas” as part of their concert set.

“[‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ is] very joyous, very fun to play,” said Tallian.

The orchestra is also playing “Fantasia on Greensleeves,” which Tallian calls “emotional” with its slower tempo.

Jazz Choir will also be performing the expressive A cappella piece “The World For Christmas,” which encourages protection of our planet for the next generation.

Don’t try to resist the pull of the holidays this season; instead, enjoy it with festive music from our very own school.