The Permian High School band, choir and orchestra are joining forces for A Very Merry Mojo Christmas Concert set for 7 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center.
Executive Director of Fine Arts Aaron Hawley said he thinks this is the first time in a long time that Permian has collaborated for a Christmas concert. They often do things together and have collaborated with other entities.
“This is just going to be Permian,” Hawley said. “We’re real excited for them. It’s the brainchild of (Head Choir Director) Laurie Wash, but in collaboration with the band, Jeff Whitaker, and orchestra, Mr. (Todd) Berridge. They’re working equally together to put the whole thing on.
We’re excited to see it come together.”
“I figure this is a once every couple of years event, so this would be the time to go see it,” Hawley added.
Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online through the WNPAC. They can also be purchased at the door at 6 p.m. Nov. 28.
An estimated 350 students are involved in the production.
There will be Christmas classics, choral, symphony, string and classical band pieces.
“We’re excited to work together,” Wash said.
She added that she loves it when students are able to collaborate with different types of musicians.
“It stretches their boundaries just a little bit and it is an honor to be able to sing in the Wagner Noël hall,” Wash said.
They started working on this event in the fall.
Wash noted that they have a sponsor for the concert, Complex Community Federal Credit Union.
“We are grateful to Lisa Wyman and Jason Berridge,” Wash said.
The directors meet together and make a plan and then they work with their individual groups.
“We will be having a rehearsal night the night before, so we will put it all together on Monday evening,” Wash said.
She added that the collaboration has gone beautifully.
Wash said the public’s support of the students is much appreciated.
Dylan Chavez, a 16-year-old junior, is in choir and Black Magic. Chavez said she thinks the collaboration will be good.
“I think it’s new for everybody, so I think it’s a first experience for all of us. I think it would be a good one that everybody will have a good time,” Chavez said.
She added that she’s feeling pretty confident about the show and rehearsals have gone pretty well.
“We haven’t had any inconveniences yet, so that’s a good thing,” Chavez said.
She now knows more band and orchestra members.
“I think that’s cool that we’re all coming together and getting to know each other,” Chavez said.
She added that the show will be a fun experience.
“It’s fun to go watch your friends being combined into a tripled kind of thing like with the band and orchestra and choir all together. That’s a cool experience to be involved in and to go witness,” Chavez said.
