Celebrating during the intermission of the Lone Star College-Montgomery Holiday Benefit Concert are (l. to r.) Dr. Austin Lane, president of LSC-Montgomery; Dr. Ann Snyder, president & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands; Debbie Ellington, academic dean of teacher education, arts and math; and Dr. Earl Holt, chair of the music department at LSC-Montgomery.

Earlier this month, Lone Star College-Montgomery's music department performed a benefit concert for Interfaith of The Woodlands, a faith-based organization that brings people together to build a more loving and caring community through service. Proceeds and contributions from the concert totaled approximately $1,300. This is the seventh year that the college's holiday concert has benefited a local non-profit organization.

Kris Chapman, director of bands at LSC-Montgomery, stated, “We are delighted to raise money for Interfaith and such a worthy cause. Our students enjoyed providing beautiful music for the community and helping contribute to those in need."

The concert featured the LSC-Montgomery Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, led by Dr. Mark Marotto, director of choirs; the Jazz Ensemble, led by Chapman; and, for the first time, the college's newly formed String Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra, led by Dr. Eiki Isomura, director of orchestras.

“Interfaith of The Woodlands is delighted and honored to be the recipient of the proceeds from the holiday choir concert,” said Dr. Ann Snyder, CEO and president of Interfaith of The Woodlands. “We are appreciative of the support shown to our community by LSC-Montgomery as we can continue to serve our families in need this holiday season.”

Soloist Michael Walsh, music faculty at LSC-Montgomery, performs with the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Jazz Ensemble during the college's Holiday Benefit Concert for Interfaith of The Woodlands.

According to Snyder, Interfaith of The Woodlands is an “incubator” for the community’s social services and congregations, serving as a resource hub for the entire community. The organization works with member congregations, corporations, local businesses, individuals, nonprofits and community organizations to make a difference in as many lives as possible. Interfaith of The Woodlands helps individuals in crisis through financial assistance for rent, mortgage, utilities, gasoline, prescription drug assistance, emergency shelter, food, clothing, senior programs and offers family and individual counseling, job training, and child care.

For more information about LSC-Montgomery music department visit www.LoneStar.edu/Music-Montgomery and for more information about Interfaith of The Woodlands, visit www.woodlandsinterfaith.org.

LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call 936.273.7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.

With 75,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball, and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.