Before the campus prepares for the winter graduation, the end of the term brings many great arts activities to the community. The students present concerts and exhibits to demonstrate their hard work, and the Community Concert Hall spreads holiday joy with special presentations.

The Music Department has a variety of offerings in the early part of the month. The Jazz Ensemble will present a concert today at 7 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall, followed by the Percussion Ensembles on Thursday. On Friday, also at 7 p.m. in the Community Concert Hall, the Concert Band and Choirs will present the annual Holiday Bash to ring in the holiday season. A great many students will perform in a variety of creative musical settings.

Next week will feature chamber music in the Roshong Recital Hall with the Woodwind Ensembles on Dec. 10 (7 p.m.) and the Brass and String Ensembles on Dec. 12. The chamber music ensembles highlight a special part of the music experience for the students in that the groups often present solo performers and unique musical offerings.

Senior presentations are featured in the gallery for the Department of Art and Design. The students chose the title “Jaded Tautology” for their presentation this year. These exhibits by the graduating seniors will be displayed from Wednesday through Dec. 21. The opening reception is from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. This is a wonderful chance to take in the fine artistic talents of the graduating seniors.

The Community Concert Hall has two wonderful holiday traditions to bring to audiences in December. The first will be the visit from the State Street Ballet from Santa Barbara, Calif., for a performance of “The Nutcracker.” This beautiful tradition brings together amazing artists and local children in the performances of Tchaikovsky’s classic work. The performances are Dec. 13 and 14 (7 p.m.) and a 2 p.m. matinee Dec. 15. Additionally, 2013 Concert Hall Nutcracker Ornaments will be available for purchase at each performance.

The other holiday gift from the Community Concert Hall is the Bar D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee. Durango’s much-loved cowboy singers will leave the ranch for one night to perform at FLC. They bring their own unique style of country poetry, Western music and humor. They will perform at 7 p.m. Dec 19.

The community lights up in December with decorations and excitement for the holiday season. Before the winter break begins, FLC provides wonderful opportunities to take in the arts as this joyous time approaches. In celebrating the arts together, our community can look back at the year and become excited for the wonderful arts experiences in the new year.

[email protected]. Jonathan Latta is an assistant professor of music and Director of Percussion Studies at Fort Lewis College.