The Lehighton Boys and Girls Band — one of the region’s longest-standing youth musical organizations — will present its annual Christmas Concert at 2 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the historic Boys and Girls Band Hall, 197 N. Sixth St. (Sixth and Cypress streets) in Lehighton.

Offering music instruction at an extremely reasonable cost, the Lehighton Boys and Girls Band provides students from 4th through 12th grade the opportunity to learn an instrument, grow in musicianship, and perform in a full concert band.

The ensemble presents both a Spring Concert and a Christmas Concert each year, showcasing the hard work and dedication of its young musicians. The organization is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), and while the concert is free to the public, donations are warmly appreciated to support its mission.

The band is under the direction of Bradly R. Cressley, who also serves as the students’ music teacher.

This year’s Christmas program features an engaging mix of traditional, contemporary and international holiday favorites. The band has seen quite a bit of growth over the past two years and about 30 students are expected to participate.

The concert opens with James Swearingen’s “A Jingle Bell Fantasy,” an energetic and expressive work that alternates between flowing, lyrical passages and bright, fast-paced sections. Next, the band performs “A Crazy Mixed-Up Christmas Concert,” a humorous novelty piece in which familiar carols delightfully “mix up” and merge in unexpected ways.

The program continues with “Christmas in Mexico,” a colorful selection featuring traditional Mexican holiday melodies. While not as well-known in the United States, these pieces offer a festive glimpse into Christmastime in Mexico.

The band then presents “Believe” from “The Polar Express,” arranged by Michael Story, followed by the reflective “Advent Prayer,” based on the timeless hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”

Next is “A Christmas Processional,” which begins with “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and moves through several recognizable carols in a dignified, processional style.

The concert shifts to a modern twist with “First Rockin’ Christmas,” giving familiar holiday tunes a fun rock beat.

Following that is “Wassail March,” a lively march built around the traditional wassail song. Wassail refers to an old English tradition of sharing a warm spiced drink and offering good wishes for health — quite literally meaning “be in good health.” This spirited arrangement brings that festive cheer to life with the flair of a marching band.

The program concludes with “Holiday Concert,” a joyful medley of well-loved Christmas songs that brings the afternoon to a merry close.

The community is invited to celebrate the season, support local youth musicians, and enjoy an uplifting holiday performance.

For more information, contact the Lehighton Boys and Girls Band.