Vocal and choral music students will host two free holiday musical events in the City College Performing Arts Center Thursday, Dec. 12, and Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m.

The Artist’s Voice Recital takes place tonight  in City College’s Little Theater, PAC 106, and will showcase vocal mentor students and advanced music students.

Every year in December the City College choirs invite local high schools to perform in an event called “Community Sing!” This months performance will be held on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center main theater, PAC 150. Admission is free, however, canned food donations are encouraged. 

Franklin and Foothill high schools will join City College’s Choir groups this year to put on a festive performance that will include a chance for patrons to sing along to some carols.

City College choir students use collaborative techniques that not only involve students within the program but the community as well, according to Mayling Lopez, the music department outreach coordinator. 

“When we talk about Vocal and Choral Music, it’s music that is created from a collection of voices harmonizing with one another and at the same time inviting others to sing and unite as one,” said Lopez. “In choral music, every singer is codependent on one another to create the ideal sound that we want for each piece of music.”

The vocal and choral program at City College offers a unique coaching program, which gives beginning to intermediate voice students one-on-one mentorship from more advanced choir students. 

“What I find most rewarding about working here in the music department is that I have the opportunity to work in cooperation with other students,” said Lopez. “It’s amazing how kind people can be when you get involved in a group like this, the people here are like a second family. We are always taking care of each other and being supportive of one another.”