A new twist on traditional Christmas carols can be expected during the Callaway Singers "Old-Fashioned Christmas" concert in December.
The singers have been rehearsing carols like Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, We Three Kings and Silent Night for the winter concert since September. The lyrics may be the same, but the musical arrangements will include variations in the tune that makes for a more fun experience, Choir Director Marlene Railton said.
"These Christmas carols are on steroids," Railton said in a release. "The Callaway Singers are challenged musically with more "beefed up' arrangements."
"We're not going to be singing Away in a Manger like everyone else hears it," she added.
The concert, which is scheduled for both Dec. 10 and Dec. 13, is free to the public, but any donations to the choir are accepted at the door. Since 2006, the choir has done free shows and has spared part of its donations to help other community organizations in Callaway when it could.
This year Railton plans on donating half of the proceeds to the VFW Post in Fulton.
"Every time I open the paper, the VFW is doing something for someone," Railton said. "This is an organization that will use the donation we give them to the direct benefit of this community."
In 2013, the choir donated $1,500 to Honor Flight- half of the proceeds made at the concert, Railton said. She hopes to continue the tradition for the years to come in order to give back to the community. During rehearsals the Callaway Singers have jumped around choir rooms at the Fulton High School, the Presbyterian Church and Dulany Auditorium at William Woods University.
"It's a community ensemble and a community effort to make this choir work," Railton said. "Callaway County is filled with hidden treasures and the Callaway Singers demonstrates that talent."
More than 50 Callawegians and several people from Boone County make up the choir, which continues to grow during auditions. The concert, which is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m., will be held at the Dulany Auditorium.