Anyone in need of a good dose of the holiday spirit had only to attend the “Home for the Holidays” concert by Navy Band Northwest last Saturday to feel infused and enthused.

In a performance before a nearly packed crowd at the Oak Harbor High School performing arts center, Navy musicians and vocalists brought the holidays to life. The annual performance is a tradition for many in the community.

“It wouldn’t be Christmas without a concert,” said Linda Barfuss, who attended with her parents, retired Cmdr. Paul and Sue Bixby. “I was raised with these concerts so we always go to the military concert. It’s a tradition.”

“You can’t miss such great music,” agreed Paul Bixby. “This is just part of how we celebrate.”

“We try to come every year,” said another concert-goer, NaDeane Jensen. “It’s a neat afternoon.”

Members of Navy Band Northwest often appear at functions in small groups. The holiday concert, however, features the entire band. It’s something members begin preparing for well in advance.

“We start practicing in early November at the very latest,” said Lt. j.g. Robert Coats, director of Navy Band Northwest. “We do our best to do a well-rounded show that everyone is able to enjoy.”

This year’s concert was no exception. Musicians Third Class Alena Dashiell, Sarah Reasner and Stephanie Brainard performed an Andrews Sisters-style medley of holiday tunes, including “Winter Wonderland” and “I’d Like to Hitch a Ride with Santa Claus.”

An excellent rendition of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” by Musician Second Class Derek Brainard, gave audience members a good laugh when the Grinch himself appeared, at one point even trying to steal the baton from band director Coats.

Several of the arrangements were done by members of Navy Band Northwest as well, including a jazzy version of “The Christmas Song,” more commonly known as “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” which was arranged and played by Musician Second Class Jay Gillespie.

The popular music group Passage broke out from the rest of the band and played a couple of selections as well. Other solo performances included “Oh Holy Night” by Musician Third Class Gregory Lopes and Musician Third Class Alena Dashiell, who sang “Santa Baby.”

Even Santa Claus took time out from his busy schedule to make an appearance, passing out candy canes and greeting members of the audience.

Creating a well-rounded program is part of the challenge of planning the holiday concert each year.

“We have to make sure it’s appropriate for the season and honors all the various traditions,” said Coats.

“It’s always different and such a good selection of music,” said Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik. “And the community turns out for it. It was well received and ties the Navy to the community.”

While this was not the first time retired Aviation Anti-Submarine Warfare Technician First Class John White had heard Navy Band Northwest perform, this was his first holiday concert.

“It shows off their musicianship and was a nice variety and great selection of music,” he said.

When asked whether the holiday concert would become an annual event for him, White said, “It certainly could be.”