Windward Choral Society In Full Caroling Mode This Month

Windward Choral Society is in rehearsal for its free community Christmas concert, “‘Tis the Season,” to be performed at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Kailua, and again at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at Windward United Church of Christ in Aikahi.

In addition to a set of very traditional Christmas carols and world music, the sixth annual concert will feature the Hawaii debut of Appalachian carols as performed by renowned dulcimer virtuoso Patti Amelotte.

Known to fans from San Diego to Budapest, Amelotte is considered one of the best players in the world on the ancient instrument, which is a kind of wooden trapezoid that sounds like a xylo-phone and is plucked like a harp. She lives in Los Angeles where she teaches piano and hammered dulcimer.

To inquire about dulcimer lessons while she’s in Hawaii, email patti@pattiamelotte.com.

The 110-voice chorus is directed by Susan McCreary Duprey and accompanied by Grant Mack along with members of the Marine Forces Pacific Band. Be prepared for an audience sing-along before the curtain falls.

Donations are welcome to offset the cost of the concerts. For more information, call 261-9879.

The choir also is to sing at the Marine base tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Dec. 3, and Duprey will direct a Dec. 22 concert of her Kona Music Society at Old Airport Park on Hawaii island.