The halls will be decked and Santa will, assuredly, drop by Saturday when the Navy Band Northwest performs their annual concert Dec. 12.

Every year, the Navy musicians have the challenge of playing familiar holiday tunes while keeping it all fresh and unique. Suprises are often built into the music or the show itself, band director Lt. Patrick Sweeton says.

To excite audiences this year, Sweeton has invited a guest conductor, whose credentials include professional musician, composer and two-star admiral.

Rear Adm. George W. Lotzenhiser, now retired and living in Coupeville, has embraced the task with musical energy as he will lead the band in “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson.

It will be the 86-year-old’s first time conducting a concert in Oak Harbor since his retirement in the 1980s.

Born in 1923, Lotzenhiser says he grew up in a musical family; his father was a Navy trombonist during World War I, his uncle played the cello for the San Francisco Symphony and his aunt was an organist at the Palace Theater. She played during silent films.

“When horses were running, she ran the organ. That is, figuratively,” Lotzenhiser said.

As a young man, Lotzenhiser played the trombone in vaudeville bands (including a gig with comedian Jack Benny) and fine orchestras.

In 1942, Lotzenhiser enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was promoted to the rank of rear admiral in 1977. Upon first enlisting, he was sent to Naval Air Station Pasco, Wash., having been recruited specifically to serve as a musician.

The admiral served in several units of the Naval Reserve and commanded six of those, including Region 22 and the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic Fleet.

Following his return to civilian life after World War II, Lotzenhiser joined university faculties across the Northwest. He retired as a professor and Dean Emeritus of the College of Fine Arts in 1982 from Eastern Washington University.

Today, Lotzenhiser’s many activities include adjudicating nationally and internationally and more than 60 years of service to Boy Scouts of America.

“He’s a fascinating man, and my musical gift to Oak Harbor,” Sweeton said.

Lotzenhiser is a long-time friend of the Navy Band Northwest and was an audience member during past holiday concerts. He happily agreed to conduct.

“I told him I need three people. Two to get me up to the podium and one to start my arm action,” Lotzenhiser joked.

The holiday concert is a popular (and free) event in Oak Harbor, and drew over 1,000 people last year. Sweeton recommends coming early.

There will be a wide assortment of music, including a brass choir, a jazz band and a contemporary rock band.

The concert will be held in the new Oak Harbor High School auditorium, beginning at 7 p.m.

“We’re quite excited to put on a tremendous show,” Sweeton said.