The Auburn High School music department has been busy preparing a variety of spring concerts to help wrap up the school year.

These free performances feature the high school's string orchestra, chorus and other bands.

The high school chorus on May 26 will be presenting John Rutter's major composition, "Mass of the Children," under the direction of Stephen Stomps. For this concert, featured soloists include professional soprano April Bender and baritone William Black, as well as high school student and soprano Meghan Dunham.

This concert is designed to help celebrate the lives of children affected by the tragic events in Beslan, Russia, the Indian Ocean tsunami, and the school shootings in Minnesota. Contributions to children's relief will be encouraged and accepted at the concert.

The string orchestra will be performing twice this spring - on May 17 and May 19 - under the direction of Victoria Kinney. Both concerts will feature Mozart's "Violin Concerto No. 5," Tartini-Kreisler's "Lee Trille du Diable" and Vivaldi's "Allegro for Cello and String Orchestra."

The Annual Senior Farewell Concert on June 2 will feature a selection of Celtic music, and the district's Spring Band Spectacular on May 12 will feature the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble under the direction of Ed Meier.

For more information about the upcoming concerts, contact Leslie Leary at 255-8827.