Madison Community Band to present “Christmas Journey”

HUNTSVILLE – The Madison Community Band (MCB) will present a concert on Dec. 6 called “Christmas Journeys”. The concert will feature Christmas music old and new, as well as a musical “visit from St. Nicholas” that tells the story of “the night before Christmas.”

“Since the band first formed, we’ve learned that a journey is more about the experiences along the way than the destination,” said band’s musical director Dave Ryan. “And Christmas is all about the journey: Santa’s global all-nighter, sleigh rides, cross-country trips to be with family, and the Son of God coming to a humble stable. We’ll take our audiences with us on a musical trek through the season.”

The band’s annual Community Christmas Concert will be on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 2113 Old Monrovia Road in Huntsville. This will be the band’s 16th Christmas concert at Grace, which hosts their rehearsals and Spring, Summer, and Christmas Concerts.

“Our Community Christmas Concert features such classics as “Sleigh Ride” and “A Christmas Festival,” music from The Polar Express, a concert setting of “Breath of Heaven,” a Christmas singalong, and works that weave together beloved Christmas tunes in surprising ways” Ryan said. “We hope the joy we’ve had along our journey reaches out through our music.”

The band formed in Madison in 1993 with 15 members. Twenty-nine seasons later, more than 65 members play at parks, patriotic events, and festivals throughout the Tennessee Valley. Students, retirees, and people from all walks of life comprise the band, all volunteer musicians united in the love of playing and sharing their music with the community.

Next year will mark the band’s 30th year of operation. Planning is underway for special events and performances. To learn more, visit www.m-c-b.org or look the band up on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MadisonALCommunityBand.