Performance by Greater Huntington Symphonic Band, jazz band

The Ironton Council for the Arts will have its annual Christmas concert, featuring the Greater Huntington Jazz Band, under the direction of Mr. Vernon Varnum, and the Greater Huntington Symphonic Band, directed by Mr. Matt Chaffins, at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Ironton High School Auditorium.

Both bands will play arrangements of several Christmas favorites. The symphonic band currently consists of about 80 members, performing on various wind, brass and percussion instruments.

The group typically performs four concerts throughout the Tri-State region per year, including a spring concert, a Fourth of July concert, a fall concert and the Christmas concert. Performance venues have included Huntington, Barboursville, Ironton, Ashland and Ceredo.

The Greater Huntington Symphonic Band has existed for decades under several different names and instructors. It draws its membership from the greater Tri-State area, and is a non-profit organization funded solely by donations to purchase music.

Membership is open to anyone who has a basic knowledge of music reading and musicianship skills and loves to play band music. Current members range in age from teens to octogenarians who represent all walks of life, including students, retirees and working professionals.

The band rehearses at 7 p.m. on Thursday nights n the Vinson Middle School band room in Spring Valley.

Admission for Saturday’s Christmas concert is $10 and tickets can be purchased at the door. Ohio University students are admitted for free with a valid student ID.

Donations will also be accepted to support the purchase of band music. Ironton High School is located at 1701 S. Seventh St. in Ironton.