Students in the School of Performing Arts Music Performance program at Holland College are preparing for their December showcase, which is taking place Thursday, December 9 at 7 p.m. in the Florence Simmons Performance Hall on the Prince of Wales Campus.

Since their arrival in September, the students have been working in ensembles to learn a variety of genres, including country, Celtic, rock, R&B, jazz, world music, and pop. For some, it is the first time that they have been part of a band or performed in front of a live audience.

Liam Corcoran, program manager for the School of Performing Arts, said the showcase is an important aspect of the students’ training.

“Over the past 20 months we’ve had to adapt to a quickly-evolving situation because of the pandemic. Everything from our course offerings to our showcases has been affected. We’re hoping that this concert is just the beginning of in-person showcases again, as our students need the experience of performing in front of a live audience,” he said.

As in past years, the showcase will be webcast so that the students’ family and friends will be able to watch. A link to the webcast will be posted on the Events calendar on the college website when it is available.

The college’s COVID-19 onsite procedures will be in effect. Tickets may be purchased at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall or from Ticketpro.ca. Admission is $20.

In this picture: (L-R) Music Performance students Emily Williamson, William Morrison, Caedda Enright, Lucia Dostal, and Drew Cassibo in the SoPA Garage, preparing for the upcoming Music Performance showcase.