When Deb Kline-Smith, who was a secondary music teacher with Warwick School District, retired last spring after 35 years with the district, a number of her past students gathered for the spring concert to give her a musical send-off. Following the concert, several suggested she form a community choir including alumni and friends.

Kline-Smith took the suggestion seriously, and the result is the Lititz Area Community Choir, under her direction, and accompanied by Keith Reifsnyder. The choir will hold its inaugural concert on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Lititz United Methodist Church (LUMC), 201 Market St., Lititz. The event will include songs by members of the Warwick Alumni and Friends, along with featured duets and soloists. Kline-Smith has invited some of her private vocal students to take part as well.

Titled "Rejoice in the Thrill of Hope - A Holiday Musicale," the approximately 40-minute presentation will begin with the choir presenting "Carol of the Bells," which Kline-Smith called "a traditional and well-loved a capella piece." The choir will then sing a setting of the poem "Stars I Shall Find" by Sara Teasdale. "That's a popular lyric right now, and there are several versions of the song available," said Kline-Smith. Brandy Jenkins will solo on "Mary, Did You Know?" and AJ Germaine and Lauren Epps will sing "The Christmas Song" as a duet. Kline-Smith mentioned that both are University of Pittsburgh students who sing in the Heinz Chapel Choir. The quartet that performed in the Warwick High School (WHS) spring production of "The Music Man" will sing "Silent Night" in a four-part arrangement, and Madison Felpel, voice performance major at Mansfield University, will sing "Rejoice Greatly." The choir will complete the concert with "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and "O Holy Night." "All the music deals with rejoicing about the holiday season," said Kline-Smith of the selections. "I picked music that was not over-the-top difficult but offered a challenge and variety. So there is something for everyone."

Kline-Smith said she feels blessed to have Reifsnyder, a WHS graduate whom she called "an outstanding musician," taking part. Kathy Felpel, who filled various roles helping Kline-Smith with high school musicals over the years, is serving as administrative assistant.

No admission will be charged to the concert, but a freewill offering will be received to help defray choir expenses.

A spring concert is in the planning stages, and Kline-Smith would like to hear more voices in the choir by then. "Hopefully, this will stir some others in the community to think about becoming members," she said. The choir practices for about 90 minutes each Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at LUMC. Individuals who wish to become part of the group may email d.a.klinesmith@gmail.com.