Christmas came early last night at the "Yule School Reunion" performed by local choir, The Alexandria Singers. The annual Christmas concert featured traditional holiday songs and pop version of all the classics, framed by a narrator's humorous introductions.

"A friend of a friend suggested coming, and we are very, very glad we did," Marion West said. "It was so much better than we expected. My son is 15, and even he was tapping along to the beat. That beautiful blond soloist was his favorite—'an angel' he called her."

This year's performance was featured at Alexandria City's holiday concert series and the Willard hotel, before returning to the community in time to celebrate Christmas. The 40-member pop choir has been practicing since Labor Day, memorizing 18 chorus selections and accompanying choreography.

"From the performers' side, there is a huge bucket of talented people who have located in Alexandria, if only for a short time, from all over the country, who have enjoyed performing in various art forms all their lives and wish to pursue that outlet while they work their day jobs," Catherine Colosimo, vice president for marketing, said.

The Alexandria Singers have been performing since 1975, usually featuring spring/summer and holiday season concerts. Other concert venues include the Alexandria Community Shelter, as well as the annual Old Town Arts Festival and other city events.

"The Alexandria Singers is a proud organization of enthusiastic, loyal amateur singers and a gifted creative team," Colosimo said. "Both with a hunger to be challenged musically, grow in quality, and attract new talent to our group."

The Singers will hold two more concerts on Saturday, Dec. 18,  at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Convergence. Tickets will be available at the door, and The Artisans of Empowered Women International will host a holiday market before each performance.

"It was a beautiful show. Lots of fun and very festive," Colleen Tansley said. "It was like watching an episode of 'Glee,' I swear."