Don Hughes teaches fundamentals of music class to Washington students.

The Washington High School band is excited to bring their annual Holiday Concert for Children back to a live, in-person event, with costumed characters, skits, and even a light show to entertain families this Thursday.

The show, which was live-streamed last year, is intended for kids to laugh, gasp, cheer, and maybe even sing as the band plays popular holiday tunes with some surprise interruptions in store, and a performance from the Stewart Elementary second grade singers. Senior Dustin Levsen is excited to creep around the stage as the Grinch for a show that ranks among his favorites of the year, “This is a fun concert because we’re not just sitting there and playing five pieces of music then walking off stage. We’re getting up, we’re messing around with the stage. It’s a lot of fun, but it takes a lot of time to prepare.”

Band Director Don Hughes says the show supports their activities throughout the school year, “This show pretty much pays for our entry fees for most of the things we do. All of our marching band competitions, any All-State entry fees, solo/ensemble [contest], honor bands, this show is where we make our money for the year.”

The band will have a busy Thursday, as they’ll hold final rehearsals for the blocking and costuming all morning, and a matinee performance for Stewart Elementary in the afternoon. The Holiday Concert for Children begins at 7 p.m. at the Washington Area Performing Arts and Events Center at the high school with tickets available at the door for $5. You can hear more about the show’s shenanigans during today’s Halcyon House Washington Page on air and at kciiradio.com.