SAN MARCOS — Palomar’s Performing Arts Department brings “Holiday Swing” to the Howard Brubeck Theater at 7 p.m. on Dec. 17. Performed by the Palomar Day and Night Jazz Ensembles, this show will offer a jazzy interpretation of some classic Christmas tunes.

“I’m very excited for this performance. The students have worked very hard on the music,” Ensemble Director Mackenzie Leighton said.

Leighton has been directing Palomar’s Jazz ensembles since October of 2024, and splits his time as a lecturer between Palomar and California State University San Marcos.

According to Leighton, some of the songs in “Holiday Swing” will be presented in a traditional fashion, while others have been transformed and will be played in new ways.

The set list includes many different arrangements, a few being from “The Nutcracker Suite,” Duke Ellington’s interpretation of “The Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky.

Behind the cheerful Christmas theme is a musically complex lineup.

“We are doing some challenging music,” said Leighton. “Some of the arrangements are complicated. They have more voices, lots of counterpoint, or different harmonies.”

Having lots of counterpoint means that, while the main melody is going, other musical lines are played at the same time, essentially adding other simultaneous melodies to the mix. This makes the music more difficult to play.

Palomar’s Day and Night Jazz Ensembles, named according to their rehearsal times, are made up of Palomar College students and members of the community. For “Holiday Swing,” both bands will perform a set, with the Day Ensemble opening the performance.

“I hope [guests] will be able to hear some of their favorite holiday songs and get in the holiday spirit,” Leighton said. “I think anyone who enjoys music will enjoy the show.”

For more information and tickets, check out the Palomar Performing Arts website.