Hoosiers 'sing' in the holidays with concert

The conductor gave the signal, the band stood up and the music of the annual "Chimes of Christmas" filled the halls of the IU Auditorium.\nThe IU Jacobs School of Music presented one of Bloomington's most treasured holiday events Wednesday night with its Trombone Choir, Wind Ensemble and Grammy-nominated Singing Hoosiers.\nThe performance included classic Christmas carols such as "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Silent Night," plus a variety of new tunes, including some from the Singing Hoosiers' newly released album.\n"This is one of my favorite performances of the year," said Margaret Dutton. "I have been coming to it for almost 30 years and there is always something new every year."\nDutton has been a Bloomington resident for almost 60 years, and she remembers a time when former IU president and chancellor Herman B Wells would attend the concert dressed as Santa Claus. \n"Our favorite part is when snowflakes fall on the stage," she said. "It really puts us in the holiday spirit."\nThe Singing Hoosiers added special effects, skits and dancing to this otherwise classic display of holiday spirit.\n"It is a great way to close out the semester, with the stress of finals and the end of the year approaching," said IU student Phil McLaughlin. "This is a good way for students to be reminded of what this time of year is all about." \nThe crowed erupted in laughter and applause with the guest appearance of Santa Claus and Rudolph after the Singing Hoosiers sang "Christmas Time Is Here" along with others from their new album, "Christmas Time Is Here."\nThe night ended when the singers walked off the stage and surrounded the audience, encouraging everyone to sing along in "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "Joy to the World" and "Silent Night"