“It’s an extremely powerful thing,” said Angela Rozario, president of the Milton Concert Band (MCB).

With that in mind, the MCB will present its second annual Christmas concert Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8 p. m. at St. Paul’s United Church, 123 Main St. E.

The band is inviting residents to take a break from the holiday rush and create musical memories with family and friends.

“When we hear something like ‘O Holy Night,’ we might think of sitting by the fire on Christmas Eve or coming out of church services on Christmas morning. We don’t think of trudging through slush and crowded shopping malls,” Rozario said. “The right music can set a tone for an evening or create a theme for the season.”

MCB musical director Joseph Resendes has put together a program that combines well-loved seasonal favourites with moving classical and contemporary pieces.

“Our goal is to transport our audience to a place where the hustle of the holidays is replaced by the emotion that this time of year is supposed to inspire,” Resendes said.

The band will revise last year’s popular audience sing-along, and some of the members will showcase their talents as part of the Milton Flute Ensemble.

Since February of 2007, MCB has grown to include more than 40 members and has performed in a variety of settings, from seniors’ centres and community events to its free outdoor summer series and concerts at St. Paul’s.

Christmas concert tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors in advance, and $14 for adults and $12 for students and seniors at the door. Kids under 12 years old are free.

Tickets are available by calling (905) 693-9886 or e-mailing tickets@miltonconcertband.com .

For more information on the band or its upcoming concerts, call (416) 508-6106 or e-mail info@miltonconcertband.com .