Fifth Annual Christmas at The Ritz

Tiffin University presents it's Fifth Annual "Christmas at The Ritz" concert on Sat., Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets are available for $8 from the Ritz Theatre box office, and at the door, with all proceeds being donated to charity.

The concert features the Tiffin University Women's Choir, conducted by McKaylea Collins, and the University Singers, conducted by Brad Rees, performing traditional holiday selections. TU's a cappella groups Up in the Air, Higher Ground, and the newest ensemble Temperature Risin', perform contemporary and pop Christmas songs.

Higher Ground will be joined by the Tiffin Kids' Choir, which is comprised of 4th, 5th and 6th graders from around the community, and meets one hour per week on the TU campus. Both Higher Ground and the Kids' Choir are directed by Ali Rees.

TU's Chamber Arts Ensemble performs traditional Christmas music for concert band, with guest flutist Dr. Teresa Collins. For twenty-five years Dr. Collins served as a member of the U.S. Army Band at installations throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia, and has the distinction of being the first woman to integrate the Military Band Program. She is currently director of Tiffin University's Master of Education degree program. The Chamber Arts Ensemble is conducted by Doug Neel.

The concert will also feature the InBetween, a 10-piece band that specializes in pop, rock, soul and funk music, the hip-hop band Sound & Silence, the TU Gospel Choir, and the brass and percussion band AfroFunk Arkestra. Elijah Vazquez directs Sound & Silence, Neel directs The InBetween, and Vazquez and Neel co-direct AfroFunk Arkestra.

Ticket proceeds will be donated to F.A.C.T. Seneca County, which provides financial assistance to cancer patients and the families. TU's 2010 holiday concert raised over $2,000 for cancer charities.

Tickets can be purchased here, http://www.ritztheatre.org.