The San Marcos community is invited to join in the holiday cheer shared by local young singers ages 8-16 as the Hill Country Youth Chorus presents its annual fall concert on Monday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Evans Auditorium at Texas State University.

The group will also perform Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Sights and Sounds of Christmas.

The Bravo Chorale, made up of all singers in the group, will sing holiday song arrangements as well as songs about winter. In addition, a group of elite singers, called the Encore Ensemble, will present a French Christmas song set.

“The innocent, beautiful sound of children singing well is a perfect part of your holiday activity,” said Dr. Lynn Brinckmeyer, artistic director of the chorus and Texas State University School of Music faculty member.

“The Hill Country Youth Chorus is made up of 54 talented local youth from Hays and surrounding counties,” Brinckmeyer said. The chorus is hosted by the Texas State University School of Music.

“The program serves boys and girls from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, with a curriculum that equips these young artists with the musical skills that enable them to seek the highest artistic standards in performances of challenging music.”

Dr. Brinckmeyer also teaches courses in choral music education and directs the Texas State Women’s Chorus. Brinckmeyer is assisted by Abbie Brown, executive assistant director; Corrie Box, artistic assistant director; and Sally Strange, pianist.

The Hays County area has always strongly supported quality choral opportunities in San Marcos and surrounding communities. The Arts Resource Team, chaired by Dr. Bob Whalin, founded The Hill Country Youth Chorus in 2005 as a way to develop and support youth by providing quality choral opportunities.

“The Hill Country Youth Chorus provides youth with a choral music experience where successive levels of high artistic achievement and performance are fostered in participants,” Brinckmeyer said, adding that the chorus is also intended to supplement and enhance the music training students receive in school.

Parking is available at the Pleasant Garage, accessed by State Street, off of Sessoms Drive.

If you would like to support this talented choir, you can make a direct donation to the Hill Country Youth Chorus or e-mail lbrinckmeyer@txstate.edu. You can also purchase beautiful poinsettias for $15, which will be sold at the Holiday Concert on Dec. 15.