POTSDAM -- Students in grades 5 through 10 are invited to submit a letter detailing their favorite carol and why it should be included in the Dec. 11 "Carols of Christmas" concert with The American Boychoir and the Orchestra of Northern New York as part of the Community Performance Series Carols of Christmas Writing Contest.

The winner of the grand prize will have the honor of his or her letter being printed in the program, as well as their favorite carol being performed at the concert.

Guidelines for the Carols of Christmas Writing Contest can be found at www.cpspotsdam.org/contest.

There are two age categories: fifth through seventh grade and eighth through tenth grade.

Each grade category will have a first place winner, a second place winner, and three runners up. The grand prize winner will be selected from the two first place winners.

CPS recognizes diversity in the North Country and invites students of all backgrounds and faiths to share in the appreciation of music and carols.

The deadline for all entries is by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 23. Entries should be sent to Anna Marie Wilharm, care of Community Performance Series, Snell Theater, 44 Pierrepont Ave., Potsdam, N.Y. 13676. Submissions may also be sent electronically to wilharam@potsdam.edu.

Community Performance Series will host the special holiday event "Carols of Christmas" with The American Boychoir and the Orchestra of Northern New York, under the direction of Kenneth Andrews, on Saturday, Dec. 11. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Hosmer Concert Hall at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting the CPS Box Office in the lobby of the Snell Music Theater, SUNY Potsdam, or at Northern Music & Video in downtown Potsdam. Tickets start at $13 for youth, $20 for seniors and students, and $30 for adults. Tickets are available by calling the CPS Box Office at 267-2277 or by purchasing online at www.cpspotsdam.org.