By Kathryn Reed

OLYMPIC VILLAGE — Growing up next door to Chris Nelson I knew he did something with music. But kids aren’t supposed to really know what the adults around them do.

It wasn’t until Sunday that I finally saw and heard him in action. It took 36 years after my family moved in next his in the Bay Area and years after we both had moved to the Sierra.

Nelson is one of three conductors of the Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus. He founded the ensemble in January 2002.

Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus

When he didn’t have the baton in his hand, he was singing with the group.

The community chorus is made up of students and more seasoned vocalists from the North Shore. It is affiliated with Sierra College.

The “Classically Christmas” performance was at the Resort at Squaw Creek on Dec. 12-13. The group also has a spring performance.

Non-traditional selections started the night – “Ding-a Ding-a Dong,” “Adoramus te Christe,” “Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day” and “Nanita Lullaby.”

Some songs had a piano accompaniment, others had a string ensemble, and others were sung a cappella.

The second half of the night the audience could sing along to tunes like “Jingle Bells”, “Rudolph” and “Silent Night.”

For more information about the choir, go to www.signttcc.org.