WILBRAHAM/HAMPDEN- The Songbirds Children’s Choir is gearing up to host their first holiday concert since the coronavirus pandemic. Weekly rehearsals for the group have officially started at the Wilbraham Council on Aging and the concert is set to take place at the Bethlehem Church in Hampden on Dec. 7.

According to Choir Director Kim Newcomb Perteet, there are about 44 kids participating in the concert.

“They are the sweetest, kindest, most respectful little people I think I’ve ever worked with. We had a rehearsal last night and there were so many of them asking questions. They were so polite and it was really nice to see,” said Perteet.

The choir is open to kids ages 5 to 16, though Perteet said a vast majority of them are between the ages of 5 to 10.

“I’m now looking for a way to advertise for the older kids because I love working with them and getting acapella things happening and I would like to start a group to start doing things in the community,” she said.

Perteet advertised for the choir through the Wilbraham school system but said they welcome kids from all surrounding areas.

“Any child from anywhere who’s willing to get themselves to the rehearsal every week is welcome to join us. The more the merrier,” said Perteet.

Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays through Nov. 30. Those ages 11 to 16 rehearse from 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and ages 5 to 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

The Dec. 7 concert will start at 6:30 p.m. Perteet said that they will be singing a variety of Christmas songs both as a group and with solos.

“I have one little boy who I wrote a song with on ukulele and he’ll be playing that,” she said.

For Perteet, the most exciting part of the concert is getting to see how the kids have progressed, grown into themselves and created friendships along the way.

“For most of them, it’s their first experience on stage doing something like this. It’s really important to me that they have fun, that it’s a good experience and that their music journey foundation is started. It’s really important to make sure that it’s a positive first step for them,” said Perteet. “I just get such a kick out of these kids and I just can’t wait to watch them.”

Those interested in more information on the Songbirds Children’s Choir or purchasing tickets for the holiday concert are encouraged to email songbirdschildrenschoir@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/Songbirdschildrenschoir.