The Mancos Valley Chorus’ December season kicks off soon.

It has been practicing since early September. Performances are free to attend.

The chorus has 32 members led by director Kriss Larsen and accompanied on piano by Lee Bartley.

The chorus’ theme this year is, “Ding Dong! Merrily On High,” a program that includes unexpected versions of familiar holiday favorites, as well as more contemporary songs, according to a news release.

The Mancos Valley Chorus was founded in the early 2000s, according to Brent McWhirter, tenor and publicity head of the Mancos Valley Chorus.

“The main thing is our commitment to the community in bringing joy through the sound of music,” he said. “It is kind of our motto.”

The chorus will perform throughout the first week of December in Mancos, and on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. sponsored by Southwest Colorado Concert Series at Cortez-Montezuma High School.

In addition to regularly scheduled performances, the chorus will perform a free concert for the Mancos Elementary kids at the opera house in Mancos, according to McWhirter.

Holiday Concert Schedule

Dec. 3 at Mancos United Methodist Church at 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 at Montezuma-Cortez High School at 7 p.m.

Dec. 8 at the Mancos United Methodist Church at 7 p.m.

Dec. 9 at the Mancos Valley Methodist Church at 3:30 p.m.