The calendar has gracefully turned to December, signaling the commencement of a bustling season filled with captivating music performances by the APS Music Department! With each passing day, the air is filled with the enchanting melodies of various ensembles, bringing joy and warmth to the community.

Experience the Holiday Magic through APS Music

Holiday Performances by the Austinaires

In late November, the holiday season kicked off with remarkable performances by the Austinaires. These talented musicians have an astonishing schedule of 22 performances within just 29 days, with an astounding 20 of those taking place in a mere 18 days during December! They are dedicated to sharing their music with numerous Austin residents at diverse locations such as community clubs, churches, businesses, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. As Kalle Akkerman, the AHS Choir Director, explains, "The three weeks of Holiday performances seem to pass by in a blur for the students, but the musical growth they experience and the joy they bring to the community members make it all worthwhile every year."The "Sounds of the Season" concert on Sunday, Dec. 8, is a true community treat. The Austinaires will be joined by Jazz One, La Fiera, and the Choralaires, creating a harmonious symphony of sounds. This concert, starting at 2 p.m., offers a holiday flavor of the AHS extracurricular ensembles. Tickets are available at the door or in advance on the Austin Artworks website. It is the last chance to catch these AHS ensembles at the Paramount before its doors close for renovation in 2025.

Concert Series at Knowlton Auditorium

Knowlton Auditorium comes alive with music starting from Dec. 9. Colin Zidlicky and Ethan Wightkin direct the fifth and seventh grade bands, kicking off the evening at 6 p.m. This is followed by a 7:15 p.m. concert by the sixth-eighth grade orchestras, with Leah Motl and Jacob Crosby at the helm. These concerts provide sixth graders with a unique opportunity to listen to the seventh grade band and orchestra as they make decisions about their class selections for the next year. Audiences can witness the remarkable growth and development from one year to the next as three grades perform back-to-back.On Dec. 12, choral music takes center stage as Kim Zerke brings the fifth-eighth grade choirs to Knowlton Auditorium. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m., slightly earlier than last year to ensure a more comfortable experience for younger students. This is Mrs. Zerke's first year working with the middle school choirs, and the students are brimming with excitement as they share the music they have been diligently learning.

APS Ensembles' December Calendar

From Dec. 13 to 15, the APS ensembles vacate Knowlton Auditorium to make way for the Austin Symphony Orchestra's "Toyland" with Michael Veldman and Friends. However, it is a short break as Austin High School concludes the month with the highly anticipated AHS Holiday Concert on Dec. 16. Beginning at 7 p.m., this concert showcases all three AHS choirs, the AHS wind ensemble, and the AHS symphony orchestra. It also continues the longstanding tradition of closing with G. F. Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus."Come early to enjoy the pre-concert music performed by smaller ensembles in the hallways and commons starting at 6:20 p.m. There is an abundance of musical delights to be savored after choosing your seat! Additionally, the concert features an exciting collaboration between the AHS Symphony Orchestra and three generations of local music legends: Sue Radloff on violin, Kalle Akkerman on harpsichord, and Emma Stanley on flute. As orchestra director Gene Schott describes, "It is truly remarkable that we can bring together people representing three eras of Austin's music history in one performance!"