Traditionalists should warm to the holiday program presented by the Community Chorus of Port Townsend and East Jefferson County next weekend, but so will those who enjoy stretching beyond the classics. Many of the concert’s songs, while not entirely familiar, still evoke the spirit of the season.

“Come to the Music” performances are at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2 at First Presbyterian Church, 1111 Franklin St., Port Townsend, and at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4 at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 45 Redeemer Way, Chimacum.

Tina Grewell, chorus guest director for the fall season, said she chose pieces that work together to create stimulating, thought-provoking, exciting concerts.

“Since I have not directed or sung in the area for the past 30-plus years, I was free to choose my seasonal favorites from the archives of my musical life,” Grewell said.

She likened the program to a Thanksgiving dinner: “Everything tastes good on its own, and it also tastes good together.” She said she can’t single out the pieces she likes best because each offers something special.

Audiences are sure to recognize standards such as “Jingle Bells,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?” “Winter Wonderland” and “White Christmas.” But they may not have ever heard “Believe,” the signature tune from the film “The Polar Express,” which tells the story of a young boy who boards a train bound for the North Pole on Christmas Eve. They might not have understood the story behind the song “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” the text of which comes from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem by the same name.

Chorus president Linda Atkins said she’s enjoying the interesting arrangements this season. “They present a challenge and keep me on my toes! Tina Grewell, our guest director for the holiday season, has great energy and skill in preparing us,” said Atkins.

Grewell grew up in Jefferson County as Tina Moore, daughter of Dick and Patti Shuff, graduating from Chimacum High School. She’s now the elementary music teacher at Chimacum Creek Primary. She even sang with the Community Chorus back in the early days of the group in the late 1970s.

“I still can’t believe that I get to live and work where I grew up,” she said.

“Being the ‘newbie’ in an established group is always interesting, but this choir has welcomed me with open arms and has allowed me to conduct with my own style, which for many may have been something that they have been confused by or have wondered about at first. However, with much perseverance and practice, we are all starting to figure out what works to create the most amazing sound.

“I’ve learned that the community is filled with wonderful people who enjoy making great music together,” she said. “After starting the season as strangers singing unfamiliar music, we are ending with a group that has studied and listened and practiced and are willing to take musical risks and try new techniques to make the music live.”

Grewell praised the organization, saying that it works like a “well-oiled machine.”

Atkins noted that the chorus brings together singers of all ages and skill levels. More experienced singers support novices, and the chorus offers extra support in learning the music, so that everyone feels confident by performance time.

“The generosity of spirit and support for learning the music is what keeps me coming back,” Atkins said. “We work hard to learn and sound our best, and it’s worth it.”

After the early challenges of learning the music, “It’s always amazing when a program comes together,” she said.

Returning to the chorus for the December concerts is Diane Perry Thompson, a longtime piano accompanist for the group. She provides the backbone of instrumental help, but Grewell has recruited several other instruments to add color to the program, including percussion, clarinet, string bass, violin and piccolo.

Also joining the adult singers for a special appearance are some of Grewell’s second-graders from Chimacum Creek Primary.

Concert tickets, $15, are available at

brownpapertickets.com, Crossroads Music in Port Townsend (385-1471) or by suggested donation at the door. For general information, call 385-1402 or visit ptchorus.org.

“A community chorus gives all people the chance to use their unique singing voices to create a joyful noise, Grewell noted. “Community is everyone, and singing is for everyone!”