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The Festival of Carols opens on Tuesday, November 30 with a special performance at the Midland Center for the Arts, and then returns to Alma for performances on December 3, 4, and 5. These performances have become the traditional beginning of the Christmas season for the Alma College Campus and for families all across mid-Michigan.

Marking the beginning of the Advent and Christmas seasons for many mid-Michigan families, the Festival of Carols has played to standing-room-only crowds for all performances for many years. The concerts attract a family audience and some Alma families attend every year.

The seasonal choir offering is not a worship service; rather "it is a community celebration welcoming people of all faiths for a concert of familiar carols and sacred masterpieces that are part of our shared heritage," Nichols said. "The concert attracts an audience that is looking for a chance to slow down and be reminded of the peace and wonder of Christmas."

The audience knows the popular carols sung by the three Alma choirs, such as "O Holy Night," "What Child is This," and "Ding Dong, Merrily on High" while other pieces may be an introduction to more non-traditional celebratory music. The 155 members of the Women's Glee Club, College Chorale and Alma College Choir share the stage to perform collectively and independently.

Choral singing is the centerpiece of the Festival of Carols and the familiar carols are sung a cappella, but others have instrumental accompaniment. Members of the College's Percussion Ensemble and the Alma Symphony Orchestra accompany the choirs on harp, strings, brass and percussion.

Festival of Carols performances in the Remick Heritage Center are scheduled for Dec. 3 and 4 at 8:00 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets for the Alma College performances can be purchased at the Alma College Remick Heritage Center Box Office or by calling the Box Office at (989) 463-7304.

More information about the Festival of Carols, including this year's program is available at the Choirs' Web site.

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