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NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2018 WHAT'S UP! 7 Four Minutes, Four Questions John Jeter, Fort Smith Symphony BECCA MARTIN-BROWN NWA Democrat-Gazette I t's time, John Jeter said when he announced the Fort Smith's Symphony's 2018-19 season — time for jubilation, Time for Three, time for Chaplin, time for the Fort Smith Symphony to lead the way into a new approach to concerts for the 95-year-old orchestra. "It's time for people to come to the symphony," added the music director, who has been around for 21 years himself. "It's a season sort of geared to folks who haven't been before, or have only been once in a while, or haven't been in a long time." Describing the season as a "mixed bag," Jeter said, "there isn't really a traditional concert — well, maybe Christmas…" Apparently there is still time for that tradition. The Dec. 1 concert is sold out, with a wait list available by calling the orchestra's office. Jeter talked about the performance with What's Up! Q. So this concert brings together the Kool Cats and the Fort Smith Chorale with the orchestra. What will the concert look and sound like? A. The concert is a wonderful mix of over 17 different pieces celebrating the holidays. The program is a collection of traditional holiday favorites such as "Sleigh Ride" and "The Nutcracker" and some more unusual choices such as music from "Jesus Christ Superstar" and the 1961 film "King of Kings." The Kool Cats will provide a jazzy diversion with some high-end holiday jazz classics. The Fort Smith Chorale will be performing "Masters In This Hall" and "Angels From The Realms of Glory" as well as the "King of Kings" music. Tenor soloist Timothy Workman, director of choral activities at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith will be signing "White Christmas" and "Ave Maria." Fort Smith Symphony principal oboist Theresa Delaplain and principal bassoonist Brent Fillmer will be featured soloists as well. Q. Kool Cats is also your baby, isn't it? What is that group is doing when not rehearsing for this show? A. The Kool Cats were created as an in-school educational outreach program of the Fort Smith Symphony. They visit at least 25 public and private schools in the Arkansas River Valley each year giving high-energy performances/ presentations about the history of jazz to elementary students. These are super performances packed with music, historical information, audience participation and loads of fun. The students absolutely love this group. In terms of music history, America is a young country with much of its musical lineage coming from other parts of the world. Although jazz has many influences, it's one of America's few, true original music traditions and is something young people should be aware of at an early age. The Kool Cats were created with that purpose in mind. The four members of the group play regularly together in the region and all have great working relationships with the Fort Smith Symphony. The members are Don Bailey, saxophone and vocals; Terri Bailey, keyboard; Brandon Patterson, bass and Bruce Fowler, drums. Q. I know that we talked a lot about all the innovations under way with the orchestra. But I'm guessing the Christmas concert is always expected to be very traditional. Is it? Or are there innovations there too? A. We have had great response expanding the holiday repertoire to include more religious inspired music outside of Christmas subjects. Last December the orchestra performed music from the films "The Ten Commandments" and "Ben-Hur," and the response was tremendous. We are performing more epic religious film music from "King of Kings" as well as music from "Jesus Christ Superstar." I would consider the concert "traditional" but with a twist or two! Q. What are you looking forward to about the January show? A. Presenting Charlie Chaplin's classic film "City Lights" with live orchestra accompaniment will be such a unique experience. What I love about this event is the mix of Art with a capital A, film history and the shear enjoyment of seeing and hearing such a significant film from the silent era. "City Lights" is engaging cinema that is fun, funny, endearing, heartwarming and true Art. Chaplin was able to tell a wonderful story through actions, images and music with no spoken dialogue. How many in Hollywood could pull that off today? Courtesy Photo Fort Smith Symphony conductor John Jeter says he "had an incredibly lucky childhood with many wonderful holidays. I really try to focus on celebration and kindness at the holidays — and hopefully all year! I can't hide the fact that the level of materialism this time of year continues to be disheartening. … Fortunately, music can offer such a solid reminder of the true meaning of the holidays." 4X4 FAQ It's Time For Christmas WHEN — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 WHERE — ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center in Fort Smith COST — Sold out INFO — Wait list at 452-7575, Ext. 1