Southeast Percussion Ensemble to present two holiday concerts

The Southeast Missouri State University Percussion Ensemble will present its Family Holiday Concerts at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday at Southeast's River Campus.

The concerts are expected to be upbeat, with egg-shaking and singalong opportunities, and offer an entertaining entree to the holiday season for the whole family, according to a news release from the university.

"It's a fun concert," said Shane Mizicko, director of Southeast's Percussion Ensemble. "Everyone always has a blast. It should definitely be a great experience for everyone who attends. It's really geared toward families with young children, and is a festive atmosphere to kick off the season."

Two identical performances are planned in the Bedell Performance Hall. Children of all ages are invited to color before the concerts, and enjoy complimentary milk and cookies after the performances.

Due to popular demand, Southeast's Department of Music has added a second holiday concert to the lineup this year, said Rhonda Weller-Stilson, director and associate dean of the Earl and Margie Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts. The events are free to the public.

Ashley Lacy plays the marimba Wednesday during a rehearsal for the Family Holiday Concerts put on by the Southeast Missouri State University Percussion Ensemble. (Glenn Landberg)

Dedicated to Jeanine Larson Dobbins, first lady of Southeast Missouri State University, the concerts will feature Southeast's Chamber Choir, Steel Drum Band and members of the Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra.

"Mrs. Dobbins' commitment and service to our community has been both inspirational and invaluable for the Earl and Margie Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts," said Rhonda Weller-Stilson, director and associate dean of the Earl and Margie Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts. "We thank her for her tireless efforts for the arts."

The program is expected to last 45 minutes to an hour and will include a slideshow of "Frosty the Snowman" during which audience members will be invited to sing along. The show will feature excerpts from "Frozen" along with traditional holiday favorites, including "Deck the Halls," "Jingle Bells," "We Three Kings," "Frosty/Rudolph/Santa Medley," "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," "Little Jazz Drummer Boy" and "Feliz Navidad."

tgraef@semissourian.com

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