Beginning on Veteran’s Day and ending with the High School Christmas Assembly, the holiday season is full of performances for Tyrone Area High School’s show choir group: POPS Extension.

Directed by Mrs. Laura Harris, the group has been going strong and performing for the members of our community for a number of years. This year, the group has more members than ever before.

This December, the group will be doing six performances of their Christmas program at a number of different venues across the town, including the infamous TAHS Christmas concert held here at the high school on Sunday, December 13 at 2:00 pm.

“I’m really excited. We’ve all worked so hard on everything and we can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve accomplished,” stated Sophomore Molly Harris.

If you plan to attend the concert on Sunday or any of the other performances throughout the month, you can expect to hear a number of different selections from the group, many of them including soloists.

Sophomore Jamal Hicks exclaimed, “I’m looking forward to doing a solo for the concert, but I have to work on not messing up the words!”

“I really like the size of our group. It’s very well balanced and everyone works really well together,” said Mrs. Harris.

The performance season began on Veterans Day, when POPS Extension performed at the Veterans Day program Tyrone American Legion. The group sang three songs throughout the ceremony, including the National Anthem, Amazing Grace, and “Salute to the Armed Forces,” a piece dedicated to the multiple branches of the United States Military.

“I enjoy listening to POPS sing. Veteran’s Day pays respects to those that died while serving; it is important that the community comes together for its observance,” stated Tyrone resident and veteran Laurie Isenberg, “It teaches young kids the positive meaning of the holiday since they do not fully understand it, but look up to POPS members. My favorite is the song that includes all branches of the military with a piece of each of their anthems, including my branch, the army. It’s a service you feel good about attending.”

The ceremony was a time for members of the community to come together to remember those who lost their lives while fighting for our country, and a time of recognition for the veterans who were able to make it home safely.

“I always love hearing the chorus, especially on Veterans Day.  I think it’s really good to have young people participating in Veterans Day programs and hearing the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.  We really appreciate them being there and sharing their talent,” stated US Air Force Veteran Scott Hiller.

Below are listed the dates of the group’s upcoming performances along with their location and start times:

• Wednesday, December 2, 2015: Harkins Hall – St. Matthew Church, 7:00 PM
• Wednesday, December 9, 2015: Pennsylvania House, 6:00 PM
• Sunday, December 13, 2015: TAHS Christmas Concert, 2:00 PM
• Wednesday, December 16, 2015: Wesley Church for TASD Retirees, 12:30 PM
• Monday, December 21, 2015: Elementary and Middle School Assembly Programs
• Tuesday, December 22, 2015: High School Assembly Program – 7th and 8th periods