Although he is still a senior at Gloucester High School, Charles McKeller is a gifted musician who has already composed his first orchestral piece. McKeller has been conducting his original composition, “The Heart of Winter,” in a series of three Courthouse Community Orchestra performances.

The first performances were this past Saturday and Tuesday at Newington Baptist and Urbanna Baptist churches, respectively. The last performance will be at 7 p.m. Saturday at Gwynn’s Island Baptist Church.

McKeller is Gloucester’s Drum Major, and is a member of the Gloucester-Mathews Male Choir. He plays alto saxophone, piano, viola, violin, harmonica and the drums. He began to write his own music about two years ago. Now he gets to perform his own music for his Senior Independent Research Studies, by teaming with the Courthouse Community Orchestra.

McKeller credits his grandmother for inspiring his love of music. She is the organist at his church, and is very excited to see her grandson perform and conduct outside school. Aside from conducting his piece, McKeller is playing alto saxophone and viola with the orchestra.

The excitement is palpable for McKeller, as he feels the support from his family. It all makes this time of year more special. Christmas is McKeller’s favorite time of year, one he associates with family, love and giving. He’s taken it all in while hitting the midpoint of his senior year.

Soon he’ll be getting ready for college, and the labor that comes with it. He said he hopes to continue his musical pursuits as a music minor, while majoring in meteorology.

Saturday’s show runs for about an hour, and will feature recognizable Christmas songs to help get the audience in the Christmas mood. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.