ROME, GA -- The College of Fine Arts at Berry College (2277 Martha Berry Highway NW, Rome, 30149) will present the Wind Ensemble's Winter Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Mar. 1 in the Ford Auditorium.

The concert will feature three special guests:

* Joanie Catron, Berry alum and current band conductor at Cass Middle School in Cartersville, will be a guest conductor.

* Rome Middle School secretary Christine McCann will be a guest trumpeter.

* Guitarist and singer Lisa Anders, a Berry sophomore, will also perform; Anders recently produced and released an album, "Misty Pathways."

Glenn Garrido, associate professor and director of bands at Berry, emphasized the unique selections for this particular concert. He said the students have been rehearsing diligently to prepare.

"The kids have been working hard . . .

POWDER SPRINGS, GA -- For the very first time, Ballet North Performance Company will grace the stage with a production of The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 19 at the J. Alton Keith Theater at McEachern High School (2400 New Macland Road, Powder Springs, 30127).

Adults and children of all ages will enjoy this unique premiere of young performing artists and dancers from Paulding County, Douglasville, West Cobb and Metro Atlanta.

The Nutcracker, choreographed by Ballet North Performance Company director Christine Auchincloss Fehr, will go beyond the traditional satin pointe shoes and shimmery tutus.