The College of the Canyons Emeritus Choir class will perform a free, half-hour show open to the public at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 14.

The choir will sing holiday music, jazz songs and classic show tunes such as "Oh, What A Beautiful Morning," from the musical "Oklahoma," and a charming duet from the musical "Gigi."

The choir is mainly composed of senior citizens, although there is no age requirement to join.

"This is the first semester for the choir and we're having lots of fun," said Julie Lawson, the choir's instructor. "I make practice tapes and CD's for everyone so that they can practice at home during the week. It's a fun, no pressure atmosphere where seniors can come together for the pure enjoyment of making music. Everyone seems to leave rehearsal with a smile."

The choir is offered through the college's Emeritus College, a community education program that began in 2005. The program was created to develop noncredit programs to benefit the local community, at no cost.

"The Emeritus College program focuses on the lifelong learning needs of older adults, providing opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, creative expression, and physical exercise," said Jennifer Brezina, the interim dean of noncredit and community education at the college.

The choir's spring semester begins on Feb. 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Newhall Community Center. Enrollment is free and open throughout the semester.

"My goal is to build this group into a thriving choir that can perform and entertain throughout Santa Clarita, particularly for the seniors in our community," said Lawson.

The spring schedule of classes for the Emeritus College classes is in the community education class schedule, which will be mailed to all Santa Clarita homes in early January.

For more information about the choir and how to join, contact the community education office at (661) 362-5425.