Rockdale Citizen

Choral Guild members, from left, bass James Jackson, tenor Steve Traylor, alto Claire Sampson and soprano Melanie Johnson sing "Glory to God in the Highest" during rehearsal at Rockdale Auditorium.

CONYERS -- If you venture out to hear the Covington/Conyers Choral Guild's annual "A Choral Guild Christmas Show," expect some seasonal favorites, spirituals and classical pieces, but no lengthy choral works. This performance is eclectic and crowd-pleasing, said Covington/Conyers Choral Guild Conductor and Director Roger Waters.

"The longer works are exceptional in and of themselves but we have found that people enjoy a variety and our mission, of course, is to educate and entertain, so we'll have some pieces that will hopefully expose people to greater choral works and some that will leave them entertained," Waters said.

Christmas performances for the Choral Guild, a non-auditioned 78-member choir serving both Rockdale and Newton counties, take place at 8 p.m. Nov. 29 at the First Baptist Church of Covington, 1139 Usher St. in Covington, and at 8 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Rockdale Auditorium, 903 Main St. in Conyers. Tickets are $10.

The program includes: traditional choral works, "Advent Cry" and "Jesu, Joy of Christmas;" spirituals, "Hail, Mary" and "Little Boy Child;" classical works "Glory to God in the Highest" and "Nunc Dimittis;" and "Coventry Carol," a traditional Christmas arrangement for choir.

The choir will also perform a selection called "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and "No Time to Diet," a lighthearted song about the eating habits of people during the holidays.

Audience members will also be treated to guest soloists soprano Melanie Johnson, alto Claire Sampson and guest pianist Esther Brooks.

Even the Big Man himself will make an appearance during the show -- Santa will shake hands with audience members and be available for photos afterward.

"From classical choral stuff to fun stuff, it will be a program that will appeal to all audiences," Waters said.

If you go

What: "A Choral Guild Christmas," presented by the Covington/Conyers Choral Guild

When/Where: 8 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the First Baptist Church of Covington, 1139 Usher St. in Covington, and 8 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the Rockdale Auditorium, 903 Main St. in Conyers.

Cost: Tickets are $10 and are available at the door, from Choral Guild members or online at www.choralguild.org.