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While some might be shopping or have alternative plans Friday night in Winchester, others have an opportunity to enjoy some musical fun.

On Friday, Dec. 8th, the George Rogers Clark High School Winter Concert occurs inside Cardinal Theatre at 7:00 p.m.

“It’s one of our favorite things to do each year,” said Kris Olson, George Rogers Clark High School’s music teacher and choir director. “It’s just a nice community-building [event] for our kids.”

The event, free and open to the public, showcases the talents of the GRC bands, choirs, and orchestra.

Altogether, approximately 250 students are expected to participate.

As expected, the Winter Concert, taking place ten days before Christmas, will include some holiday favorites.

Among commonly known pieces will be “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Winter Wonderland”.

The event will conclude with all students singing “Silent Night”, and also feature a reading of “Twas The Night Before Christmas.”

However, while acknowledging that much of the music will be lighthearted, Olson also states that attendees can expect variety.

“Whatever your taste is in Christmas music, you’ll probably find something to your liking”, he states.

The eclectic range of sounds and music that can be heard is mainly due to the benefit of eight different ensembles participating.

Many of the groups end up combining.

“You [might] have our women’s chorus and our percussion ensemble [together], or you’ll have members of our orchestra and Cardinal singers. You’ll have some jazz players and the men’s chorus. You’ll even have a full orchestra piece, which will involve string players and members of our band”, Olson added. “It’s one of our favorite things to do each year because there’s so many things to do for collaboration.”

Working toward the yearly event has long been in progress, as practice was already underway in October.

The winter concert is unique among other shows, including a dress rehearsal before the event.

“In the week or two leading up to the concert, there’s a flurry of activity to put the finishing touches on”, Olson added.

Fortunately, as noted, it has always been well-attended – and for good reason.

“It’s taken on a reputation as one of the coolest things we do at GRC,” Olson said. “We were just overflowing [last year]. There were tons of people beating down the doors to get in, and we’re expecting that same type of turnout this time. If someone wants a good seat, they should get there early.”

Olson concluded that the highly anticipated event benefited the performers and the community.

“The kids feed off of that [positive] energy,” he said. “It also shows the power of music, especially this time of year, and why it’s important to our community and to Winchester.”