November 28, 2011, Greencastle, Ind. — The DePauw University School of Music is establishing a new winter tradition for Greencastle and Putnam County, a "Holiday Gala" featuring many groups and performers presenting musical favorites of the season representing several traditions. The inaugural program will take place Saturday, December 10, in Kresge Auditorium, located within DePauw's Green Center for the Performing Arts, at 7 p.m. It is presented free of admission charge, and all are invited to attend -- a gift from the School of Music to the community.
Concertgoers will be greeted by brass holiday music in the Great Hall as they enter the Green Center and proceed to Kresge Auditorium. Several chamber groups, choirs, and instrumental ensembles will perform throughout the evening, including the Flute Choir, the Chamber Singers, the DePauw Jazz Ensemble, the University Band, and the University Orchestra. There will also be works for organ, piano, and voice.
The concert will feature holiday favorites such as Sleigh Ride, the Nutcracker Suite, and Let it Snow, and there will be an opportunities for the audience to sing along and join in the concert's festive spirit.
For those who wish to dine before enjoying the musical evening, the following Greencastle restaurants have agreed to welcome patrons and ensure that they are served and arrive at the concert in time for the start of the program: 
- 2 West at the Inn at DePauw – “Early Bird” special available between 5 and 6:30 p.m. Ten ounce prime rib, soup, salad, and selected beverages for $17.95;
- Almost Home – Call in advance to make a reservation (plan to dine by 5 p.m. or earlier);
- Chief’s – Call in advance to ensure seating (plan to arrive for dinner between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m.);
- The Fluttering Duck – Mention you are attending the event and receive a free soft drink with meal purchase.
The Holiday Gala will also touch other local businesses. Carolers will be heard in various stores and restaurants on the Greencastle square in the early evening prior to the concert. A reception will be held in the Great Hall immediately following the 75-minute concert.
"We are thrilled to begin this great tradition to bring some light to winter, to share some great music, and to strengthen the ties of DePauw and Greencastle," says Mark McCoy, dean of the DePauw University School of Music. "There is amazing talent here in the School of Music, and like all great talent, it should be shared. We hope the community can come take part and make this an exciting winter tradition."
For additional information or concert details, contact the School of Music at (765) 658- 6737, via email at schoolofmusic@depauw.edu, or click here.