The Canisius High School Christmas Concert & Art Show is a great example of teamwork, collaboration and personal artistic expression. (Courtesy of Canisius High School)

Being a part of a team at school often brings to mind sports teams, but Canisius High School Fine Arts Department Chair Kevin Durkin points out that the school's music programs could be considered teams as well.  

"The teamwork aspect appeals to students, but there's also room for personal expression with music," Durkin said.

The Canisius High School Christmas Concert and Art Show is a great example of teamwork, collaboration, and personal artistic expression.  The various Canisius music "teams" - concert band, string ensemble, choruses, hand bell ensemble, and guitar ensemble - will each perform during the show in the Canisius High School auditorium on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m.  The collaboration with student artists for the art gallery component allows for an additional visual experience at the Christmas concert.  The art forms on display will include drawings, paintings, architecture, and digital art.

Approximately 175 student-musicians including 100 singers and 75 instrument players have been rehearsing for the show since mid-October.  The concert will feature several familiar Christmas songs that stir up good memories, although some songs will feature contemporary twists.  Among the highlights are a haunting version of "The Coventry Carol" by the string ensemble, the hand bell ensemble's "Carol of the Bells," and a show-stopping performance of "Sleigh Ride" by the concert band.  Also intriguing is the unique sound of the Blue & Gold choruses' all-male voices.  One of the chorus highlights is an a cappella performance of "Nine Carols for Male Voices" by composer R. Vaughan Williams. 

Participation in fine arts at Canisius is at an all-time high. Durkin speculates it could be that fine arts provide an escape from today's technology driven society.  

"In a world where everything is digital, this is not," Durkin said.