“Messiah” by George Frideric Handel — one of the most loved works of all time, and now you can sing along! Tryon Fine Arts Center presents the “DIY (Do It Yourself) Messiah” on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

The “DIY Messiah” is for singers, would-be singers, choir groupies, Baroque karaoke enthusiasts, and even people who can’t carry a tune in a bucket (we have buckets).

The conductor, soloists, and instrumentalists will do the hard part, especially the conductor — all that arm waving will wear a person out. The audience is invited to join in and sing the choruses. If you absolutely don’t want to sing, come anyway and enjoy the music! You can pretend to be texting your friends. No one will judge you.

We’ll wind our way through the Christmas portion of the work, skipping the hard stuff, and singing the fun pieces: “And the Glory of the Lord,” “O Thou that Tellest Good Tidings to Zion,” “For Unto Us,” “Glory to God,” and the “Halleluia Chorus.”

Messiah is the only musical work to be in continuous performance every year since it was written in a 24-day composing flurry in 1741. Handel gave all his proceeds to an orphanage, so there is no charge for this of course.

Bring your own score or use one of ours (we have extras!) and join conductor Mark Pam McNeil, and pianist Beth Child, for The DIY Messiah! We will also be serving an assortment of Christmas cookies and punch. All are welcome for this free community event, sponsored by the Polk County Community Foundation.

For more information on this event call 828-859-8322 or visit www.tryonarts.org for more information.