The season for joyful noise has begun, and Dr. David Blackburn wants Natchez children to participate. On Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon, at Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center, Blackburn and others with the Natchez Opera Festival will register children to take part in the &uot;Children’s Voices of Christmas.&uot;

&uot;We’re asking any children from grades 2 to 6 to come to register or to call the opera office during that same time on Saturday,&uot; said Blackburn, director of the Natchez festival.

The children’s chorus, after concentrated training with Blackburn, will take part in the opera festival’s Christmas production, &uot;The Gift of the Magi,&uot; he said.

&uot;This is a special opportunity for the children of Natchez; we’ve never done this before,&uot; Blackburn said. &uot;I have parents asking me all the time whether I can give their children voice lessons, and usually I have to tell them the children are too young. But I can give them instruction in a choral group, and they will really sound beautiful.&uot;

There is no charge for the instruction, said Blackburn, who has led children’s choir clinics throughout the country. &uot;The only obligation for this is that parents register children at the proper time and that children attend all four rehearsals and the two performances of the Christmas musical.&uot;

Rehearsals for children will be Dec. 3, 5, 10 and 12.

&uot;The Gift of the Magi&uot; will be performed at 8 p.m. Dec. 14 and 16 at the performing arts center.

Guests artists in lead roles for the musical are Timothy Kennedy, baritone, and Rachael Harris, soprano.

For telephone registration on Saturday morning, parents should call 442-7464.