Keizer residents this week have the opportunity to hear classic holiday songs performed live by the Keizer Community Band.
The free concert will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Keizer Event Center. The 38-member band will perform a range of Christmas music, including “Home for the Holidays” and “Do you Hear What I Hear,” according to director Michael Koenig.
Some songs will be dedicated as audience sing-alongs, including “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “Silver Bells,” and some children’s songs like “Frosty the Snowman” will be included.
Koenig said the concert will be similar to past years, with some differences in the song list. The holiday concert usually draws around 150 people, Koenig said, noting that the band appreciates the audience.
“It’s our annual gift to Keizer,” Koenig said.
Keizer Community Band was formed in 1998, after then-Mayor Robert Newton desired a band to represent the community and provide music for general entertainment and at events. Roy Shelton, a retired school band director from Keizer,developed the community band and worked to achieve those goals until retiring in 2003.
Koeing, Shelton’s former student and also a retired school band director, took the director role.
Koenig said the band still strives towards its original goals. Recently, the band performed at the GLOW Christmas Light Festival in Rotor-Rooter Park and at Willamette Lutheran Retirement Community.
Band members range from 13 to18 years old and “anyone who plays an instrument” is welcome.
“Music is unifying, so everyone is just a musician when we’re together,” Koening said on the wide age range of musicians in the band.
Musicians of all skill levels are able to participate, and no auditions are required. Koenig said there is no charge to join the band, and those who are interested can contact him at [email protected].
NEWS TIP? Contact Krista Kroiss by email at [email protected]
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