It's all about music this weekend for 44 kids who sing in the Manhattan Beach Middle School Senior Wave Chorale.

Or maybe it's almost always all about music!

In any case, the students will be performing with the professional Long Beach Camerata Singers Saturday and Sunday after spending time rehearsing with the group's artistic director, Robert Istad.

There are more than a few Manhattan Beach connections going on here but, in addition to the MBMS kids, Manhattan Beach resident Karla Devine is a singer with Camerata.

Said Devine of listening to the students rehearse with Istad Thursday, "The kids sound magical. When I heard their first entrance, it sounded like they just were floating into the piece! They are so well-prepared. Heather Gold [the MBMS chorus conductor] is amazing!"

Said Istad after Thursday's rehearsal, "It is incredibly impressive to hear a middle school chorus tackle complicated repertoire with such musicality, finesse, beauty, and precision! I am astounded with Ms. Gold's abilities. She is a superb musician and teacher. I look forward to an amazing weekend of concerts with them."

Choir students delivered a stunning performance at the city's Sept. 11 commemoration and often sing in the community at charity events. They also performed last spring at a choral festival sponsored by the Southern California Vocal Association and received a superior rating, said Gold. 

"All the singers are very excited about the chance to sing with the Long Beach Camerata Singers," said Gold. "It has brought an air of professionalism to our rehearsals knowing that we will perform such beautiful music with such an accomplished group."

The MBMS program has five choirs, consisting of about 165 students.

If you didn't hear them at the Sept. 11 city commemoration, these kids are amazingly gifted and deliver vocals that are heavenly.

"Blast!" will be performed in Redondo Beach Saturday at 7 p.m. at Riviera United Methodist Church, 375 Palos Verdes Boulevard, and in Long Beach on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 607 E. 3rd Street. Tickets cost $25 each in advance and $30 at the door. Purchase tickets online or call 562-522-1045.