Nov 21, 2016

Enjoy musical performances, sing-alongs and more with the College of the Mainland vocal and instrumental concerts, free and open to the public.

December 2, 7:30 p.m., St. John’s United Methodist in Texas City

In their debut public performance, the COM Mainland Chorale and Duck and Cover A Cappella Group will present Christmas carols and choral classics.

A reception will follow the performance with a silent auction and sale of raffle tickets for a European holiday for two to support the choirs’ 2017 Vocal Arts European Performance Tour.

“They’re singing everything from upbeat Latin melodies to standard ballads. They’ll astound the audience," said vocal arts director James Heffel. 

COM choirs are open each semester to students and community members who want to learn and perform in a supportive environment.

December 4, 4 p.m., Brazosport College in Lake Jackson

The “We Three Bands” public performance will unite the concert bands of COM, Alvin Community College and Brazosport College. The bands will perform classics including themes from “The Nutcracker,” “Jingle Bells Forever,” “Sleigh Ride” and “Away in a Manger.”

“This will be the third time for the combined bands to do a Christmas concert,” said Jazz Combo and Ensemble director Sparky Koerner. “With ‘The Ultimate Christmas Sing-along’ we invite the audience to participate.”

Comprised of community members and COM students, the COM Concert Band gives participants an opportunity to hone their skills while entertaining the community.

December 7, 7 p.m., Gilruth Ballroom at the Johnson Space Center

The COM Jazz Ensemble will perform musical spotlights from the space program as part of the NASA/Science Applications International Corp. Innovation Forum.

“The ensemble is excited that we can highlight through the decades the influence of music on the space program and beyond. Tunes such as 'Fly Me to the Moon' as sung by Frank Sinatra was closely associated with the NASA’s Apollo space program,” said Jazz Combo and Ensemble director Sparky Koerner. “Another selection 'Over the Rainbow' was used as an audio wakeup call in the Space Shuttle STS-88 Mission.”

Comprised of community members and COM students, the COM Jazz Ensemble gives participants an opportunity to hone their skills while entertaining the community.

Other groups will also appear on this performance including the Greater Barbour’s Baptist Church Choir, directed by Sandra Malone, Birdland Music Group, directed by Thomas Thompson, and Latin Jazz Member Reunion, directed by Juan Manuel.  

The event will be lived streamed via USTREAM.TV/Channel/NASA-JSC.

December 11, 2 p.m., Moody Mansion in Galveston

Bringing Christmas cheer, the COM Mainland Chorale and Duck and Cover A Cappella Group will present a choral performance featuring carols and classics.

A reception will follow the performance and raffle tickets for a European holiday for two will be on sale. Proceeds will support the choirs’ 2017 trip to perform in the Czech Republic and Germany.

“We received standing ovations in Ireland, and I expect no less in Germany and the Czech Republic,” said COM choir director James Heffel. “We have an extremely fun group, so singers and travelers had an equally brilliant time.”

For more information

Contact Joyce Palmer at jpalmer@com.edu or 409-933-8348 or visit www.com.edu/music.