WARSAW — Join us for Tuesday's Band Winter Showcase at 7 p.m., in the Warsaw High School Tiger Den.

The evening will feature the Varsity Winter Guard performing its competition show, the Junior Varsity Winter Guard presenting its show routine as well as performances from the Winter Percussion and the Jazz Band.

Don’t miss this incredible celebration of music, movement, and percussion artistry!

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WARSAW — What started as a "Classic Arts Program" 40 years ago that relied heavily on local churches has evolved and is now known as the Community Arts Program of Kosciusko County which attracts people from across the county.

The group’s origins began in 1984 with the Rev. Richard Anderson, who had been tasked by the local ministerial association to organize a large choir from local churches to perform large musical works.

Last year the group changed its name to reflect a broader outlook.

"The word classic was a tribute to our roots where we performed classical choral works and we wanted to bright ourselves into the 21st century so that we are doing diverse work and we're not strictly choral," said Lori Widman, president of CAPS who was joined by Mike Lewis, the group's communications director, for an episode of In The Know.

These days, the group, known simply as CAP, has plenty of participants and puts together four shows, including one that serves as a fundraiser.

The adult choir has upward of 50 people while the spring program has nearly as many. The Youth choir attracts 20-30 children while the preparatory academy (K-2) has two classes and draws significantly from homeschooled families.

They've also worked to expand the focus beyond just signing to include dance and, hopefully, art next year.

This year, the spring show will feature music from All God's Creatures, based on ten poems about animals.

"We thought it would be really interesting for our listeners, young and old alike," Widman said.

As they expand that mission, they're reaching out in hopes of collaborating with other groups to include art and dance in some of their performances.

"There are so many amazing artists in our county and we're just scratching the surface," Widman said. "We don't only want to bring people into work in our events, we want to be able to work in their events as well."

The group has begun hosting an annual fundraiser and has expanded and relocated to larger venues in each of the last three years.

This year, the fundraiser, known, as Java Jive and Pie, will be on Feb. 22, at Rodeheaver Auditorium. The show will feature a live jazz band and singers, dancing and different auctions, some of which will feature pies by Dan Bauer.

Last year, they were at the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion but felt the need to move to accommodate a larger dance floor.

Tickets can purchased at CAPWarsaw.com.

Lewis said they’re working toward a robust future

"We're really looking forward to growth," Lewis said. "We've been here forty years and we plan to be here another 40 years and beyond. That's what we're really working on."

Widman and Lewis talked with News Now Warsaw for this week’s In the Know, the public affairs show you can hear this weekend on Kensington Digital Media Radio Stations.

In The Know can be heard at the following times:

News Now Warsaw (99.7 FM and 1480 AM):

Fridays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Saturdays at 7 a.m. 

Sundays at 7 a.m. & 2 p.m.

WRSW (107.3):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

Willie (103.5 FM):

Sundays at 6 a.m.

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WARSAW — The holiday season is here, and the Warsaw Performing Arts Center is thrilled to invite you to four festive events that will fill your heart with joy and create lasting memories for you and your family. These events showcase the incredible talent of our students and offer something for everyone to enjoy.

Here is a recap of all four shows:

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa – December 7 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Join the WCHS Theatre Department for a magical morning of holiday cheer at Cookies & Cocoa with Santa! This family-friendly event features a chance to meet Santa, enjoy holiday crafts, sing along with Elsa, Anna, and other Disney characters, and indulge in delicious cookies and cocoa. Tickets are $8 per person or $20 per family and can be purchased online at www.warsawschools.org/pac, at the Box Office (574-371-5040), or at the event. This festive gathering is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with your little ones!

Holiday Band Concert – December 12 at 7:00 PM
Celebrate the magic of the season with the WCHS Band’s Annual Holiday Concert. This beloved tradition will feature performances from the Percussion, Woodwind, and Brass Ensembles, followed by a combined band performance with all WCHS band students playing holiday classics like Ukrainian Bell Carol and Christmas at the Movies. Admission is free, with free-will donations accepted to support the Band Department. Don’t miss out on this joyful evening of live music and holiday cheer!

Winter Dance Showcase – December 13 at 7:30 PM
Get ready for a spectacular evening of dance at the Winter Dance Showcase, featuring stunning performances by the talented WCHS Dance Students. Enjoy a lively variety of dance styles, including contemporary, Hip Hop, and jazz. Tickets are $8 each and can be purchased online at www.warsawschools.org/pac, at the Box Office (574-371-5040), or at the door. Your ticket purchase helps to support the WCHS Dance Department and aids greatly in the funding of dance recital costumes, shoes, and more. This is an unforgettable opportunity to support our dancers and enjoy a dynamic celebration of movement and artistry.

Holiday Choral Concert – December 17 at 7:00 PM
The WCHS Choral Department invites you to their Annual Holiday Concert, featuring performances by the high school choirs, as well as the Edgewood and Lakeview Middle School Choirs, and the Leesburg Elementary School Choirs. A highlight of the evening will be a moving rendition of Silent Night performed by all the choirs together, accompanied by sign language. This free, family-friendly event also features a special appearance by Santa Claus and one of his reindeer, who will assist with collecting new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots program. Free Will donations will be accepted to benefit the choral department.

Join Us for the Holidays at WCHS!

These four events promise to be a wonderful celebration of the season, bringing together the magic of music, dance, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re attending the Band Concert, the Dance Showcase, the Choral Concert, or Cookies & Cocoa with Santa, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to attend one—or all—of these festive performances and make this holiday season one to remember!

For more information, contact the Warsaw Performing Arts Center at (574) 371-5040 or visit www.warsawschools.org/pac. We look forward to celebrating with you!

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WARSAW -- The Warsaw Community High School Choral Department will present its Classics Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the WCHS Performing Arts Center.

The concert will feature the high school choirs singing a wide variety of choral concert pieces.  Several combined groups will be featured in music which will be used later for ISSMA Organizational Contest. The groups are accompanied by Lawrence Evans and directed by Josh Hren.

The concert is free of charge and the public is cordially invited. Donations accepted for the department.

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