Even before Halloween had elapsed, members of the 91原创 Ukulele Association's senior A ensemble were focusing their attentions on Christmas.
It takes extensive rehearsing to pull together a well-practised repertoire of 50-plus Christmas songs, said ensemble director Paul Luongo.
"All things Christmas are underway," he said with a slight chuckle just days before their first holiday event.
While there are numerous seasonal appearances and shows where the senior A musicians will be performing some of their holiday music in the coming month, there's only one time when the full line up of songs and melodies will be presented together, and that's during the Themes of Christmas matinee production coming to Fort 91原创 in early December.
"It's going to be a great event," he added.
Admittedly, it's a big set list with everything from instrumentals to sing-alongs, solo vocal numbers to special features, but each piece is Christmas 鈥� through and through, said Luongo.
"It's a chance to give back to the community through music" and share the magic of Christmas and all that the season represents for people, Luongo noted.
Due to scheduling conflicts, this year's traditional Christmas show will only feature the older ensemble students 鈥� the 27-member senior A ensemble currently made up of students ages 12 to 18.
"Unlike previous years, which included both the senior A and B ensembles, this show will be the first time in many years that only the senior A ensemble is featured," said Luongo.
"They have a busy winter season ahead with 23 performances scheduled between now and Dec. 23, including appearances at the Christmas Wish Breakfast, Winter PNE Fair, and the Township of 91原创鈥檚 Williams Park lights events."
They will also be continuing their appearances this holiday season at several area seniors residences, making sure elderly people who can no longer make it out to their shows "know just how much they're still loved and appreciated," Luongo said.
"The kids love touching people's lives by bringing them music, bringing them joy, and letting them know the world still has some goodness in it."
91原创 Ukulele Ensemble, now in its 44th year, presents the Themes of Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. at the Chief Sepass Theatre, 9096 Trattle St., Fort 91原创
Tickets are available online at www.langleyukes.com.
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