Lititz Area, Warwick Alumni and Friends isn't the same community choir it was when it formed.

The evolution of the local community choir continues, and those progressions will be fully displayed at its upcoming concert. Through a dogged pursuit of perfection, the Lititz Area Community Choir, Warwick Alumni and Friends has settled for excellence.

"(The singers) have grown and sharpened their skills, and we've had a lot of experiences along the way," said Debbie Kline-Smith, the ensemble's choral director. "The final goal is a fine performance. It's very cool to know that they care enough to want to be a part of that. That's why they became members."

The local community choir's next performance, titled "Carry the Light," will be presented on Sunday, April 28, at 7 p.m. at Warwick High School's 1,400-seat Performing Arts Center, 301 W. Orange St., Lititz. The concert is free to attend, and a good will offering will be accepted.

"When we work together, we can be the light of our community," said Kline-Smith. "The concert is a celebration of the community. The choir sparks the inner light though the music they share with the audience, their friends, family and community. They are the beacons. Experiencing something beyond words can only come through music."

The Lititz Area Community Choir's "Carry the Light" concert is a compilation of 10 songs directly and indirectly related to light. The show will last about 70 minutes.

"These songs show guidance to all different kinds of things," said Kline-Smith, who taught and directed choral music at Warwick High School for 35 years. "It's about guiding people to the light and how the light affects us in different ways. It's the common thread. Light can be many things, and we look to the light to find our way. We see the light as a positive. It's amazing how music can light a fire that's been out for a while. It can bring a hidden feeling out."

Since its inception, the Lititz Area Community Choir, Warwick Alumni and Friends has grown in participation, scope and depth. "Carry the Light" will represent the fourth concert the community choir has performed since forming in the autumn of 2022.

"It's a result of hard work and dedication," said Kline-Smith. "We have some wonderful people who are very dedicated. The quality performances bring people back. They know they're going to hear music they like, and the choir enjoys singing. I don't think we'd have audiences that are so large if we weren't improving. I don't think we'd be playing to full houses. That's what's exciting to me. It kind of speaks for itself."

From a modest beginning of 45 members, the Lititz Area Community Choir now boasts 90 singers. The choir, a third of which is made up of Warwick High School alumni, has been forced to change concert venues twice to accommodate growing audiences.

"Where can you go for a free evening of entertainment?" said Kline-Smith. "There's a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. There are definitely challenges. I'm working with adults who have responsibilities and families. It's a very diverse group. The common thread is they love to sing, and they love music."