An Exceptional Chorus stages annual holiday concert December 15th at Thomas More High School

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's the local chorus with an exceptional take on the holidays.

An Exceptional Chorus is a group of cognitively and physically challenged individuals from the Milwaukee area who utilize music to bring about a sense of identity and independence.

There are 35 members with varying challenges and who all love to perform.

The group will do a variety of songs from "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer to "From a Distance" special Christmas edition.

19 songs in all.

The concert is at 7 p.m. Friday at Thomas More High School on Morgan in Milwaukee.

There will also be a bake sale and raffle items to raise money for the group which schedules special tour performances over the summer.

'It's a lot of fun," says Co-Director Mary Jo Remus Curran. "And the audience responds, and stands up and shows their appreciation. It's heartwarming to see these individuals with challenges show everybody what their abilities are."

Web Extra: Exceptional Chorus from CBS 58 News on Vimeo.