Bring the whole family out for ChoralSounds Northwest's heart-warming Christmas concert Dec. 11 and 12 at the Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S. 152nd St.

New Artistic Director Cathy Bleecker has planned an exciting program for "Season of Wonder," including antiphonal singing, Gregorian chant, a twisted Christmas carol by PDQ Bach, and a stirring rendition of Seattle native Quincy Jones' arrangement of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus."

Of course, no CSN show would be complete without a healthy dose of merriment, and this year's show is no exception.

The second half of the program will include many favorite carols in a delightful, staged mini-musical entitled "Home for the Holidays." Several solo and ensemble turns by chorus members, along with full-chorus vocal jazz and pop arrangements, round out a show that is sure to delight young and old alike.

Families hunting for affordable entertainment will delight and parents looking for a risk-free way to introduce their children to the joys of choral music can rest easy because Northwest Associated Arts youth ticket program lets young people 17 and under in free with a paid adult ticket.

ChoralSounds Northwest, a Burien-based chorus of 50 men and women, has developed a loyal and growing following with family-friendly shows that offer much more than the usual "choral concert."

Audiences marvel at the colorful costumes, creative staging, and exuberant choreography. ChoralSounds is a part of Northwest Associated Arts, which includes KidSounds Northwest, YouthSounds Northwest, TeenSounds Northwest and the new SilverSounds Northwest.

Saturday's show starts at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinee begins at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15-25 with 17 & under free with a paid adult ticket. Tickets are available at www.northwestassociatedarts.org or 206-246-6040.

The traditional ChoralSounds show is not the only Northwest Associated Arts Christmas show being presented in Burien this holiday season

Under the artistic direction of Paula Hawkins, KidSounds, YouthSounds and TeenSounds will join forces to present "Sleigh Ride," a program that will give families a spirited start for their holiday season.

The show is Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S. 152nd St.

The first half of the program will include traditional and modern Christmas favorites including "Joy to the World," "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "The First Noel."

In the second half of the show, the singers will present a 30-minute musical entitled "The Runaway Snowman," an imaginative and enjoyable rock-style piece with an important lesson about friendship.
Bright costuming and creative choreography highlight the show, as NWAA's youngest singers put the ho-ho-ho into the holidays.

YouthSounds & TeenSounds Northwest demonstrate Northwest Associated Arts' commitment to providing musical education and performance opportunity for young people from grades 3 through 12 in South King County.

Each year the three choruses perform together for two mainstage concerts at the Highline Performing Arts Center.

In a time of funding cuts in the schools, these ensembles provide an important and life-changing opportunity for students to learn through the discipline of music.

Along the way, audiences are delighted with the entertaining performances of these dedicated young singers. The goal of KidSounds, YouthSounds & TeenSounds Northwest is to foster a love of singing by engaging a wide variety of music repertoire. Proper vocal technique, theory and artistry are emphasized with an eye towards developing well-rounded young musicians.

Tickets are $15-25 with 17 & under free with a paid adult ticket. Tickets are available at www.northwestassociatedarts.org or 206-246-6040.