Wearing a red festive holiday jacket Maestro Chelsea Tipton led the Symphony of Southeast Texas’s annual Sounds of the Season this week.

The free concert, held in conjunction with Motiva and Port Arthur independent School District, brought fans to Woodrow Wilson Early College High School for a night of music with special guests soloist Kalan Gardner Jr. who is a student at Woodrow and soloist Naomi Dugas, a student at Memorial High School.

Saxophonist Dr. Jimmy Simmons, president emeritus of Lamar University, performed several numbers as a special guest.

Guests were excited to have a chance to see the Symphony perform the free concert in Port Arthur.

Port Arthur residents Mary Martinez and husband Ellis were pleased at the opportunity presented by the Symphony and partners saying it is a good way to expose the students to the music.

Joana Green, who was with Jordynn Williams and Jacely Williams, said she was excited to attend Sounds of the Season.

“This is my second year attending the concert,” Green said. “I went last year and it was stunning. I said I’m not going to miss out on it this year.”

Jody Moffett, vice president and general manager of refining at Motiva, said Motiva’s core values involve working with the community.

“Our partnership with the Port Arthur Independent School District and Dr. Mark Porterie is vital to ensure that our local community thrives and our students succeed,” Moffett said. “As part of this valuable partnership, Motiva is proud to highlight the importance of art education and in the community by sponsoring this free holiday concert for the past six years for Port Arthur families.”