Back by popular demand, Nanuet High School's Concert Choir will be performing at the Palisades Mall IMAX Theater tonight, Dec. 9 at 6:45 p.m. as a pre-show for the 7:30 p.m. showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

The NHS Concert Choir auditions students for placement. It currently has 38 members and meets every day for 42 minutes under the direction of Ms. Tracy Kirschner and Dr. Jack Gremli. Ms. Dianna Bullard, who teaches the Mixed Chorus with Dr. Gremli, assists with the preparation of the Concert Choir.

The choir will perform a cappella selections arranged by members and alumni of the NHS Concert Choir, including "Change the World" by Eric Clapton, "Wonderwall" by Oasis, "I'll Be There" by The Jackson Five, and holiday classics such as "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" from The Nutcracker.

"Last year, members of the choir led a holiday sing-a-long at a pajama party theme night at IMAX," explained Gremli, the Director of Music for the Nanuet School District. "It was great fun and the theater and choir have stayed connected since.  IMAX is a great supporter of the performing arts programs in Nanuet High School."

IMAX Theaters are known for giving their patrons the most bang for their buck. The theater frequently has contests and events, and gives out free prizes to kids at nearly every film. Being the only IMAX Theater in Rockland or Orange Counties, the IMAX Theater in the Palisades Mall is the only movie theater in our area that does this. The theater has also hosted a variety of events for families, including magicians, face painters and live animals.

"We have given away thousands of toys, goody bags, cookies, milk, lunch bags, key-chains, stuffed animals, Lego kits, t-shirts, you name it," said Risa Hoag, Public Relations for the Palisades IMAX Theater. "We host Pajama Parties for nearly all kids' movies where the kids can show up in their pajamas and fuzzy slippers and enjoy cookies and milk after the movie or even breakfast when we do a 3 a.m. PJ party."

 In 2011, IMAX Theater's goal is to work with local area non-profit groups on fundraising activities in the theatre. They always encourage groups to contact the theater to get involved and use the theatre to raise money for their organization.

Tickets to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be reduced for the event and there is no additional charge for the concert. Also, throughout the run of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the IMAX Theatre will be distributing "I Love HARRY" Crazy-band bracelets at select shows, while supplies last.

The evening will be magical. But as Gremli said, "The only wand used during the concert will be a conducting baton.  The magic will be supplied by the music."

Support the students andenjoy holiday carols and the magic of Harry Potter Dec. 9 at 6:45 p.m. at the IMAX Theater in the Palisades Mall. Coming up for Harry Potter fans:

• Dec 12^th – Look like Hagrid, Harry's lovable half-giant friend.
• Dec 13^th – Look like the boy who lived himself, Harry Potter.
• Dec 14^th – Look like Hermione and Ron, Harry's best friends. 

Check back with Patch tomorrow for details on these Look-A-Like contests at IMAX.