Community spirit and holiday joy will share the spotlight when the Manheim Central High School band, orchestra and choir present a concert on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. The concert will take place at the high school, 400 E. Adele Ave. During intermission, members of the school's Interact Club will accept donations for annual music and Interact scholarship awards.

"People can expect to hear a lot of fun music," said Madison Behney, who is the treasuer of Interact. "It's really nice to go and see what our classmates have worked so hard on. It's cool to see how it all comes together."

The band, under the direction of John Brackbill, will perform "A Winter's Journey," based on "Over the River and Through the Woods," by Randall Standridge; "The First Noel," a traditional carol arranged by Yukiko Nishimura; and "Bashana Haba'ah," a Hebrew piece that translates as "Next Year," by Ehud Manor and Nurit Hirsh, arranged by Lloyd Conley. The band will also play two 16th-century carols in a medley of "In Dulci Jubilo" and "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella," arranged by Gary Parks.

"I would encourage people to come to the concert to celebrate the hard work, talent and achievement of our music students, to enjoy an afternoon of festive, eclectic music and to gather as a community to get into the holiday spirit," Brackbill said.

Led by Alicia Bartlett, the Manheim Central High School string orchestra will perform "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," arranged by Erik Morales.

"This holiday standard, originally written by Edward Pola and George Wyle, brings a bright, festive spirit to kick off our portion of the concert," Bartlett said. "Our second piece, 'Boreas' by Todd Parrish, takes a chillier turn by illustrating the cold north wind of winter with minor melodies and crisp articulations." The orchestra will also perform "Joyeux Noel," a French carol arranged by John Leavitt with melodies from "Sing We Now of Christmas." The orchestra will conclude its portion of the concert with members of the symphonic orchestra performing the iconic Tran-Siberian Orchestra's "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24," arranged by Bob Phillips.

"Featuring an electric rhythm section and rocking melodies, this piece is sure to leave the audience energized and excited for the holiday season ahead!" Bartlett said. "Listeners can expect to be blown away by the musicianship and dedication of our orchestra students! For only having a little over a month to prepare, these musicians have gone above and beyond in their diligent preparation to bring joyful and uplifting music to the audience."

The choir will perform "Season of Light" by Jacob Narverud, with piano accompaniment.

"It is an original, simple, old-fashioned holiday carol or hymn inviting reflection on the season," said Stephanie Magaro, choral director. The choir will also sing "Last Christmas," arranged by Greg Gilpin. The choral arrangement of the pop Christmas song will feature a solo and a duet. The choir will perform "Veni, Veni Emmanual," arranged by John Trotta, as well as "Carol of the Bells," by M. Leontovich and P. Wilhousky.

"This is our tradition at Manheim Central to sing the ... traditional carol each year," Magaro shared. "Many of our alumni and audience will recognize it! I hope that we can fill the seats with members of our families and community who can appreciate our varied repertoire and maybe even hearing a new, fresh sound for the season. I really hope our singing can bring peace and a lighthearted feeling to people who hear us!"

For the members of Interact, the concert provides an opportunity to raise funds for scholarships while also highlighting the club's mission.

"Interact is all about community service and getting out into the community to help various organizations in whatever way we can," said Erika Kline, a senior who is the club vice president. "We just want to lighten the load for anyone who needs help. The scholarships are another way we can provide the steps to a better future for someone."

Madison noted that club members work extensively with residents at Pleasant View Communities, serve at events at Brittany's Hope, volunteer at the football concession stand and sports banquets, provide child care at PTO meetings, complete roadside cleanups and much more.

For Interact co-president Catherine Stuart, a senior who shares the role with senior Jarred Stone, the concert combines several of her interests. She is also in the band and symphonic orchestra.

Describing her experience in Interact, which began when she was in eighth grade, she said, "I just love the impact we have on the community. Getting to volunteer with friends makes it really enjoyable."

A highlight of her involvement with the club has been serving at Water Street Mission in Lancaster.

"We visit and learn about the mission, and then we get to serve a meal with the people who are staying there," she said. "It's a meaningful way to serve."