The Sequim City Band invites the community to experience a festive musical journey at their free holiday concert “Sounds of the Season” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22nd, in the Port Angeles High School Performing Arts Center, 304 E. Park Ave., Port Angeles. This special performance will celebrate the holiday spirit, the season of goodwill, and the rich history of Christmas through music.

Directed by Tyler Benedict, the band will present selections from “A.C. – The Man Who Saved Christmas,” a musical inspired by the life of A.C. Gilbert, best known for creating the Erector Set and many other iconic educational toys. This work highlights a pivotal moment in American history during World War I. As the U.S. became deeply embroiled in the conflict, Gilbert passionately lobbied President Woodrow Wilson’s Council of National Defense, which was considering a blanket prohibition on toy production. He urged them not to ration materials vital for manufacturing toys, emphasizing their importance for the imaginative development of the nation’s youth.

The concept for the musical began over 30 years ago with co-composers Vincent Oneppo and Jay Gitlin developing the work. Although a full production has yet to be staged, several pieces have been adapted for concert band. Vinny Oneppo, principal clarinetist with the Sequim City Band and a recent retiree to the area, has re-arranged several of these selections for the ensemble.

“Over the course of our six-week rehearsal period, both the band and I have been honored to work with Vinny to fine-tune this medley,” Benedict said. “We are thrilled to present this unique musical experience, which not only tells A.C. Gilbert’s inspiring story but also captures the joyful spirit of the Christmas season.”

The concert will open with “Fanfare for the Festival of Lights” by Evan VanDoren, a lively and festive piece for brass and percussion, and feature a variety of beloved holiday tunes and seasonal favorites, such as “Frosty the Snowman” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” is one of the most recognized and beloved pieces in the holiday repertoire, which will also include “The Sussex Mummers’ Christmas Carol” by British composer Percy Grainger, Ron Nelson’s “Morning Alleluias for the Winter Solstice,” a bright and jubilant composition celebrating the arrival of the winter solstice, and composer Nurit Hirsh’s “Bashana Haba’ah” (“Next Year”), a beautiful and hopeful song filled with optimism for a better future.

A lively holiday medley arranged by Ted Ricketts of Irving Berlin’s “Happy Holiday” and “White Christmas” will close the concert.

For more information about Sequim City Band, visit sequimcityband.org or find the band on Facebook.