Proudly Presents
GOLD CONCERT SPONSOR
MERRY & BRIGHT
‘Tis the season to revel with the SMSO! Immerse yourself in an evening of joy, cherished traditions, and a melodic journey through holiday favorites. This festive celebration features the harmonious talents of local performing arts groups coming together in a heartwarming showcase of our vibrant and talented community.
Our guest narrator Mamie Yarbrough will invite children onstage to enjoy a live reading of The Night Before Christmas brought to life with music accompaniment. Concert attendees are invited to enter a drawing for a chance to receive a quick and fun “Conducting 101” lesson onstage with Music Director Matt Aubin before leading our Orchestra on Sleigh Ride! (see details below).
A festive favorite, this annual holiday concert is a treat for the whole family!
One lucky audience member will step onto the podium to conduct Sleigh Ride! Enter our free raffle at the concert for a chance to receive a quick “Conducting 101” lesson from Music Director Matt Aubin and lead the SMSO in this holiday favorite. Open to all attendees ages 5 and up—make this a night to remember!
SMSO Staff, Musicians, and Board Members are not eligible. Only one (1) entry per person; entries must be self-made.
FEATURED GUESTS
Mamie Yarbrough
Special Guest Narrator
An advocate of live music in our community for decades, Berrien County Chaplain & 4th District Commissioner Mamie Yarbrough championed and helped lead the beloved “Gene Harris Coming Home Coming Together” concert series, an annual live-music event that ran for an incredible 21 years! Drawing crowds of people from all walks of life to Benton Harbor, this event aimed to “create a life of inclusion, not exclusion, through music.”
Back then, SMSO proudly served as the event’s nonprofit partner, making it possible for donations to support the music we all love. This season, we’re thrilled to keep that spirit alive—join us for a night of joy, tradition, and togetherness!
Berrien Springs & St. Joseph
Public Schools
Youth Choirs
Directed by Carrie VanDenburgh (Berrien Springs) & Beth Gray-Roll (St. Joseph Public Schools)
Combined, these choirs consistently receive Excellent and Superior ratings at district and state levels at the Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) Choral Festivals and have toured throughout the United States, performing in Florida, Nashville, New York, Washington DC, and Walt Disney World.
SILVER ARTIST SPONSOR
TICKETS
Adult – $40 Zone A | $24 Zone B
Youth* – $20 Zone A | $12 Zone B
Processing fees included in price.
*Youth ages 6-17 years
SAT. DECEMBER 13, 2025
EVENT SCHEDULE
5:30 PM – Doors open
6:30 PM – Concert Start (90 min run-time)
PROGRAM
Hanukkah Festival Overture by Lucas Richman
Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Johnny Marks
A Christmas Scherzo – Arr. by Don Sebesky
Polar Express by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, arr. by Jerry Brubaker
Variations on Jingle Bells by Mark Hayes
A Musicological Journey Through The Twelve Days Of Christmas by Craig Courtney
INTERMISSION
Christmas Festival by Leroy Anderson
Here We Come A-Caroling by Richard Hayman
Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson
The Night Before Christmas by Aaron Dai
Hallelujah Chorus by Handel
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