The Selma High School Choir has been working for months to get ready for its upcoming Christmas concert, which will feature an assortment of genres and an original song written by a student.

This year’s concert will feature gospel music, traditional Christmas songs and even an African piece named “Betelehemu,” which will give the students a chance to clap and play instruments.

Overall, the choir is planning to perform 16 songs.

“I might put a few tricks in there to surprise the audience on the day of,” said the Rev. Colin Lett, who serves as the conductor of the Selma High School Choir. “Hopefully, everybody will come out and share in that experience with us.”

This is the second concert Lett has been the conductor for and this year he’s excited to showcase the talent of his students. Last year, Selma High School didn’t have choir classes, meaning the only time the group could practice was after school.

This year the choir is able to practice during school and still holds a practice after school too. Lett described it as having a luxury vehicle he could only drive last year. This year he’s able to use all the bells and whistles too.

“We practiced like months ahead so we can get a head start on all the pieces,” said senior Sarah Crum.

One of the highlights of the show will be a song written by Selma High School junior Kahlilah Nelson. She said the song, which is titled “Life for Me”, came to her in a dream.

“I’m probably going to be nervous but I’ll probably get over it mid-song and be into it,” Nelson said of singing her song during the concert. “I hope it’ll feel like a regular song, but if it does feel different I’ll get over it.”

It’s already been a tremendous year for the choir.

At the Cultural Arts Center Fall Choral & Theatre Festival in Dothan during November, the Selma choir received two superior and one excellent rating from the festival adjudicators and a standing ovation from the audience. On top of that, the Selma choir was also awarded the Spirit of Festival Award, which is based on professionalism, enthusiasm and respect.

“Not only did the judges and the crowd like our singing, but they liked how we carried ourselves,” Lett said.

Now, the choir is looking forward to showcasing its talent in its hometown. The Christmas concert will be held at the Selma High School auditorium on Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door.

Lett said proceeds will go toward the choir.