If not quite in the Christmas spirit yet this season, Ohio University Southern Campus has just the ticket to kick start the holiday.

Thursday, December 09, 1999

If not quite in the Christmas spirit yet this season, Ohio University Southern Campus has just the ticket to kick start the holiday. The OUSC music department will present its first Christmas Concert in the Rotunda of the Vern Riffe Center at 7 p.m. today.

The musical extravaganza will feature the various performing groups on the campus, and a special appearance by a guest group and a violin soloist.

Under the baton direction of Dr. Patrick McCoy, the concert will begin with arrangements of several well-known Christmas songs, including "Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree," "Frosty, the Snowman," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

Following the Activities Band will be the campus Handbell Choir under the direction of adjunct faculty member Charles Varney. They also will present selections appropriate to the season including "Jingle Bell Rock."

The Handbell Choir will be joined by guest violinist Jill Dean, who will be performing with Gail Thornton, Mary Virgin, Candy Hager and pianist Tom Robinette.

The third performance will be by the Campus Chorale, which will perform "As Long As There’s Christmas" and "Big Band Santa."

The final performance will be by "Seekers," a vocal ensemble mostly from the Ashland, Ky., area who have performed many times in the Tri-State area.

Those who plan to attend the concert are asked to bring a can of food for admittance. The OUSC Student Government will turn over the canned foods collected to agencies that work with needy families.

There also will be a reception after the concert where the participants and the audience will be able to mingle.