New Holland Band To Present Holiday Pops

Balancing the familiar with the contemporary is a tightrope that Ken Laudermilch, conductor of the New Holland Band, walks each year as Christmas approaches. "Old harmonization worked in a different time, but in this age when things are fast moving, people want to hear recognizable tunes in new suits of clothes," said Laudermilch, who dresses "stable and recognizable" holiday musical fare in brighter and livelier colors.

This year, the 11th annual New Holland Band Holiday Pops concert will be held on Friday, Dec. 9, in the Palm Court of the Double-Tree Resort, 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. The event is known for featuring a meal surrounded by the sights and sounds of the season. "We want to give family and friends a chance to converse around the table at this cordial time of year," noted Laudermilch.

As it has a few times before, the event will kick off with trumpets from the balcony announcing the start of John Wasson's "Festival Fanfare for Christmas." "If I don't have (the trumpets), people ask where (they are)," explained Laudermilch, who said this will be the fourth time the trumpets lead the event. "It's really a great opening," he added.

The opening will be followed by lighter music, including pieces such as "March of the Toys" from "Babes in Toyland," "The Holly and the Ivy," and possibly the well-known Carpenters classic "Merry Christmas, Darling." "It's such a pretty tune, and everyone knows it," said Laudermilch.

For the first time, the Lancaster Bible College Chorale, under the direction of Robert Bigley, will join the band for a few numbers. The chorale will sing two songs accompanied by the band and a third song will be performed a capella.

Additional Christmas favorites will include music from the movie "Miracle on 34th Street," "The Bells of Christmas," Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride," and "A Winter's Night," based on the quintessential carol "Silent Night," in a new setting.

The event includes dinner for individuals and tables of eight and 10. Readers who would like to purchase tickets may do so at http://www.newhollandband.org or by calling 717-355-5096.