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The Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree

Posted at 4:46 PM, Nov 30, 2015
and last updated 2015-11-30 16:46:24-05

MUSKEGON, MI, Oct. 27 2015--The Mona Shores High School Choir's Singing Christmas Tree will get a new look this year when an entirely new tree structure, complete with more versatile LED lighting, is erected for the first time thanks to the Mona Shores Choir Association and the support of the community at large.

According to Director Shawn Lawton, "The entirely new Tree structure is something we have been saving for and anticipating for some time. Through the hard work of countless past singers as well as our dedicated parent volunteers, we are both proud and excited to finally show it off to the public for the first time this year! It is exciting to oversee the program as it continues to grow and capture the attention of potential audiences even beyond West Michigan."

This Muskegon area event has become a rich tradition for families near and far as a way of kicking off their holiday and getting into the spirit of the season. With their debuts on THE TRAVEL CHANNEL and THE LEARNING CHANNEL, as well as their 2013 Excellence in Education Award, sponsored by the Michigan Association of School Boards, their popularity has spread and large crowds are again expected.

With its 25,000 colored lights that coordinate to the beautiful singing, 15 tiers that reach 67 feet up into the majestic Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, over 280 singers, and accompanied by the 50 piece Mona Shores High School Orchestra, the Singing Christmas Tree must be seen to be believed.

Still, why many come back year after year is to hear the beautiful music and to watch these young people sing and play with such passion. The program is always fresh, rich and diverse and the singing is of the highest quality. Director Lawton spends much of the summer looking for that magical mixture of new and old, traditional and modern, sacred and secular, American and multicultural music that reaches the hearts and souls of the audience and the young performers as well. Why else would 6,000 people come back year after year to enjoy a high school concert?

Director Shawn Lawton stated, "What we offer here is extremely unique and rare. A project that brings together a large and diverse group of young people, along with their parents who volunteer their time to the project, and the community at large that continues to show their support."

This year's Singing Christmas Tree is being held in downtown Muskegon at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, 425 W. Western, Muskegon, on Dec. 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. each night with a 3 p.m. matinee Saturday as well.

Tickets be purchased beginning Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Mona Shores High School Performing Arts Center lobby during the annual holiday arts and crafts show.

Also beginning Saturday, Nov. 7, tickets can be purchased online at http://StarTickets.com , or at the StarTickets call center at 1-800-585-3737. Tickets are $15 apiece.

Tickets are also available through the Frauenthal box office beginning Nov. 9, Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or call 231-727-8001.

Additional credit to Entertainment and Media Consultant, Chris Petras.