As the jingles of winter tickle our ears, the upcoming Cougar Music concert is ready to scratch that holiday itch. On Friday, December 12th, in Havens Auditorium, Cougar Music will present the Sounds of the Season concert.
Cougar Music is an organization that blends student, staff, and community participation, highlighting many of the performing arts groups at IUK. Throughout the semester, these ensembles rehearse and prepare for their final semester concert performances, in this case, the Sounds of the Season concert.
Advisor Erin Doss describes this festive performance as a celebration saying, “The concert will feature winter and holiday classics, including Christmas carols, movie themes, and holiday choral standards.” The many different and diverse groups will take the stage including the Cougar Choir, IU Kokomo Concert Band and the IU Kokomo Flute choir. The performance will be free and open to the public to come and enjoy the show.
Ahead of the concert, Doss gushes and shares her excitement about the upcoming concert saying, “These students, faculty, staff, and community members have worked hard to provide a lovely holiday experience that will inspire you to deck the halls and bake Christmas cookies over the weekend.”
The Cougar Choir has been rehearsing since mid-September, practicing every Tuesday and Thursday. Matt Gerhard, Director of the Cougar Choir, notes that the group they used repetition to “help with memorization” and different kinds of standing arrangements to enhance the sound and tuning as strategies to ensure success. “We work hard, but we also have fun,” Gerhard added. “If you’re interested in joining us, talk to me.”
Junior band member Ezra-Riley Dale, a flute player encourages the community to attend. “I think people should come to the event because of how friendly the people are, and we love to play for everyone we can.” Even with a little nervousness, Dale is excited to perform.
