McLean’s Philharmonic Orchestra, Jazz Band and Madrigals Choir will perform holiday pieces tomorrow in the auditorium in an annual celebration for students. The audience can listen to selected compositions, including “Hava Nagila,” “The Christmas Song” and “Polar Express” during multiple periods.

“When you come to the concert, there’s a little surprise added in there,” orchestra teacher Starlet Smith said. “You’ll know when you hear it.”

Teachers signed their classes up in advance to see the culmination of the music department’s efforts. Student music groups have been rehearsing pieces for the Holiday Showcase and their winter concerts for over a month.

“We’ve been practicing the music since pretty much the day after our fall concert,” Smith said.

Beyond providing seasonal entertainment, the Holiday Showcase draws attention to music departments that may not otherwise receive student recognition.

“No one at our school ever goes to our orchestra concerts,” senior harpist Goldie Woods said. “[Students] actually see us [in the Showcase], because otherwise it’s just performing for parents. I think that it’s cool to play for the school.”