Some aspiring musicians will give a special glow to the annual “Holiday Pops” concert presented by the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Merrillville’s Star Plaza Theatre.
In addition to the orchestra and the Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus, about 40 violin students from Plum Grove Music in Lowell are going to add a dash of youthful yuletide cheer.
The violinists, and one Plum Grove cellist, will have the chance to perform at a nationally known venue that has hosted big-name entertainers such as Jerry Seinfeld and Christina Aguilera.
“It’s definitely quite an honor,” said Rick Thacker, owner and founder of Plum Grove Music.
Thacker welcomes the opportunity for his students to play at a concert that is guided by Kirk Muspratt, conductor and music director of the orchestra.
“He’s done so much for the area,” Thacker said, pointing to Muspratt’s efforts to promote the arts.
Sharing the joy of music and building character are goals of Plum Grove Music, which is providing violin students with a forum to show off their hard work.
They get to play the Star Plaza Theatre after earnestly practicing on their instruments.
“This is the game,” said Thacker, likening the Thursday concert to a sporting event with a real audience.
One of the Plum Grove violinists will be 8-year-old Danica Jebo of Lowell.
Danica’s mother, Rebecca Jebo, thinks the holiday concert will be a valuable experience for her daughter.
“I think it’s a really good opportunity for her to perform,” Jebo said.
Danica is a fan of her instrument’s tonality.
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“I just like the sound of it. It’s also fun playing it,” the young violinist said.
Danica said there is another element of the instrument that has caught her attention: “I can also feel the vibration.”
The vibes of a special season likewise will be felt by the audience at the “Holiday Pops” show, which promises a combination of traditional and contemporary holiday sounds — and the chance for those in attendance to sing along.
The melodies will swing from “Deck the Halls” to selections from the classic ballet “The Nutcracker.”
Additionally, there will be a little local flavor to the program, as Gary Fry’s composition, “Christmas in Chicago,” will be doled out.
Meanwhile, the orchestra will offer a stirring suite from the animated movie “The Polar Express.”
One of the works the Munster High School Chorale will perform is “Hodie” by Robert Parker.
Another highlight of the evening involves a man dressed in red, and sporting a flowing beard. Promotional material urges the public to “keep an eye out for Santa” at the 3,400-seat venue.
“It’s just a fantastic place to perform,” said William Woods, director of choral activities at Munster High School.
The chorale has experience at the theater, having performed there for an Oak Ridge Boys Christmas show.
On Dec. 10, about 40 students will perform in the chorale, which is a by-audition group.
“We’re doing two numbers with the symphony and symphony chorus,” said Woods, noting his chorale will sing one piece by itself.
A fresh infusion of Christmas fare will be served up at Thursday’s show with the presentation of Brad Ross’ ” ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
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If you go
What: Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra presents “Holiday Pops”
Where: Star Plaza Theatre, 8001 Delaware Place, Merrillville
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10
Tickets: $29-$69; student price is $10; group rates available
Information: 219-836-0525, www.nisorchestra.org