'Tis the season for holiday concerts

Highlands County bands, orchestras, choruses and music groups have been practicing their holiday repertoire to delight audiences with the sounds of the season.

Also, South Florida Community College presents a renowned brass ensemble.

Following is a listing of holiday concerts in Highlands County:

• South Florida Community College is kicking off the 2009-10 Artist Series with a holiday concert by Dallas Brass titled "A Merry Christmas with Brass."

The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 2 in the Panther Gym.

Tickets range from $18 to $24 and may be purchased online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at http//performances.southflorida.edu. Tickets may also be purchased by calling the SFCC Box Office at 784-7178 or by visiting the box office, located in the cashier's office, Building B, 600 W. College Drive, Highlands campus, Avon Park, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• The Highlands Organ Society will be presenting a concert featuring Christmas music and semi-classical and beautiful music starting at 7:15 p.m. until about 9 p.m., Dec. 3 at the Iron Horse Ranch, located at 2034 Lake Josephine Drive, Sebring.

There is no charge for the concert, but space is limited so call in advance for reservations.

The organ society was formed last year by organist Frank Hutchins, for retired and new organists who own and play organs.

For more information or to reserve a seat for the concert, call 655-0259.

• The Lake Placid Memorial Library is hosting a free concert by the Highlands County Youth String Orchestra at 4:30 p.m., Dec. 9.

The orchestra is looking for more young string players. Practices are held at the Lake Placid Nazarene Church every Wednesday from 5-6:15 p.m.

For more information or to help sponsor the orchestra, contact Diane Osborne at 659-4541 or email violin4god@embarqmail.com.

• Heartland Pops will be joined in concert by the Heartland Community Orchestra and the 50-member Heartland Community Orchestra Chorus at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Emmanuel United Church of Christ on Hammock Road for an evening of traditional Christmas music titled "Holiday Celebration." Admission is $8.

The chorus will perform four selections from Handel's "Messiah."

The finale of the concert will bring the combined groups together in presenting the "Hallelujah Chorus."

For more information about the Heartland Pops, contact Marti Wandelt or Steve Newell at 314-8877.

• The Highlands County Concert Band will perform two holiday concerts: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 14 at the Union Congregational Church in Avon Park and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 21 at Memorial United Methodist Church in Lake Placid. Donation of $6 for adults and $3 for students.

The band's musicians range in age from 18-92. They have performed in high school, college, big band, symphony orchestras, circus bands and show bands. All experienced musicians are welcome to join the band.

For more information, call Bill Varner at 386-0855 or George Coyle at 465-0023.