Motiva has partnered with Port Arthur Independent School District to host a free holiday concert for the community. 

The concert features Maestro Chelsea Tipton II, Symphony of Southeast Texas Conductor, with special guests Saxophonist Jimmy Simmons, former President of Lamar University. 

“This is our 6th year partnering with Port Arthur ISD and the Symphony of Southeast Texas,” said Claire Jackson, Social Responsibility and Community Affairs Manager at Motiva. “

The concert will also highlight local student musicians including Kalan Gardner, a Wilson Early College Scholar, and Naomi Dugas, a Memorial High School scholar.

“I think it’s important for young people in the audience to see other young people on stage. This is another way to connect with the community,” said Tipton.”

The performance will close with a Christmas sing-along where the audience is encouraged to participate. 

“We really try to make an experience where people feel comfortable, I think sometimes the orchestras get misrepresented that people will become there and it could be kind of a stuffy experience. We really try to debunk that with Symphony of Southeast Texas,” said Tipton.

The concert is located at the Woodrow Wilson Early College Auditorium, 1500 Lakeshore Drive  December 3 with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. for early refreshments. The concert begins @ 7:00 p.m.

“We want people to come out and enjoy, have a wonderful experience with the orchestra,” said Tipton. “We always enjoy coming out to the community and we want to, we’re happy to make this a continued tradition for families in Port Arthur to come and get into the holiday spirit with us.”