Collegiate voices will be raised in a yuletide celebration at Purdue University Calumet in Hammond.
The PUC Vocal Company presents its annual holiday concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at YJean Chambers Hall in the Student Union and Library building.
The theme will be “Christmas Through the Years.” Admission is free.
Included in the program’s sweep are an Austrian carol — sung in English — called “Still, Still, Still.” Likewise in the mix is Brian Setzer’s “Gettin’ in the Mood (for Christmas)” — a rocked-up dose of upbeat swing with a big band flair.
The diverse offerings do not end there.
“We’ve got ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ a song called ‘Merry Christmas Past’ and ‘Some Children See Him,'” said Patricia Hales, vocal company director.
“Some Children See Him” is a lilting Christian-themed song that displayed the songwriting talent of Indiana-born Wihla Hutson. The gentle tune gained a larger audience when it was recorded by renowned singer-songwriter James Taylor.
Additionally, the Jewish faith is represented in the musical menu.
“We have a song to celebrate Hanukkah called ‘Joy in Jerusalem,'” said Hales, who sought diversity in the repertoire for Sunday’s concert.
“I think it’s a nice mix,” said Hales, a continuing lecturer in music at Purdue Calumet. “We’re trying to touch secular and sacred, and some new stuff, some older stuff.”
The vocal troupe will have 19 members performing Sunday. The majority are students at Purdue Calumet, but alumni also are represented.
The singers will have piano accompaniment at the approximately hour-long show.
The annual concert by the choral vocalists has been taking place for a few years, and provides accessible yuletide entertainment in an intimate setting.
“I think they do a really good job; they put people in the right spirit,” said Wes Lukoshus, assistant vice chancellor in the department of marketing and communications.
Lukoshus said the third-floor YJean Chambers Hall is ideal for such a warm-hearted, seasonal show: “You’re right on top of the action.”
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Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
PUC Vocal Company holiday concert
Where: Purdue University Calumet Student Union-Library building, 2233 173rd St., Hammond
When: 3 p.m. Dec. 6
Admission: Free
Information: 219-989-2393 or www.purduecal.edu