12/1/2011 12:00:00 AM

On Saturday, December 3rd, the Gospel Choir and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Naturally Sharp, will present two free concerts in the Mandell Theater. At 3 PM, Naturally Sharp will start things off with an 18-song program including an original arrangement of Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue (also known as Has Anybody Seen My Gal?) and the New York Voices arrangement of Louis Prima’s Sing, Sing, Sing. At 7:30 PM, the Gospel Choir will team up with the Gospel Choir Praise Dancers to share such uplifting songs as the Forever Jones’ hit He Wants It All, Job Waited on the Lord, and Ezekiel Saw the Wheel.

The Music Program’s fall concert series will conclude this year with concerts from the University Chorus and Chamber Singers, and the Drexel Concert Band on Sunday, December 4th.  At 3 PM, the University Chorus (a 65 voice group) and Chamber Singers, will perform a program of spirituals, madrigals, chansons and ballettas. The performance will include Benjamin Britten’s 1943 festival cantata, Rejoice in the Lamb, using the Main Auditorium's 4,000-pipe pipe organ, as well as Francis Poulenc’s Christmas motets and songs from Irving Fine’s Alice in Wonderland. This free concert will be held in the Main Auditorium.

The Drexel Concert Band will present “Hot Blooded: Passionate Music for Band” at 7 PM in the Mandell Theater also on Sunday, December 4th. This rousing concert will include Amparita Roca, by Spanish musician, conductor, publisher, and composer Jamie Texidore, Valerie Coleman’s Roma, and Michael Kamen’s Tribute. The concerts are free and open to the public. For more information, call 215-895-ARTS, visit drexel.edu/westphal, or contact publicity assistant Tom Bonner at twb54@drexel.edu.