The Mid-Prairie choir; photo by Joe Cerwinske

An annual tradition at Mid-Prairie is set to warm concert goers Monday, as the music department puts on their Cocoa and Carols Concert. Vocal Director Collette McClellen says the concert has been a tradition dating back decades, and features a variety of holiday favorites. The concert will feature all of Mid-Prairie’s music ensembles, including concert band, jazz band, mixed choir, ladies lyrica choir, and solo and small group performances. The Madrigal court will also perform, giving attendees who weren’t able to get tickets to the dinner a taste of what they missed.

When asked why she feels continuing the Cocoa and Carols Concert tradition is important, McClellen said it’s a way to give attendees a different variety of music. Not all the music in the concert is religious in nature, and she feels there’s some great secular music that can be performed this time of year. Some of the music to be performed is religious, which she believes will expose students and attendees to different cultures and ideas, and give them something new that they haven’t thought about. She feels the music will be festive while giving people a different taste. The concert will start at 7:15 p.m. in the high school gymnasium, and the cost is $2 for the public and free for Mid-Prairie students and staff. In addition to the concert, there will be cookies provided by the music students, and cocoa provided by the Fine Arts Boosters.