– by Emilie, junior –

The elementary and secondary students performed at the annual Christmas concerts held on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12, respectively. The concerts are some of the largest events that our school holds, and the students prepare far in advance to perform well and provide beautiful and uplifting holiday music. 

The secondary concert, organized primarily by Mr. Martin, included the jr/sr high choirs, senior high choral group, jr/sr high handbells, jr/sr high orchestras, and the percussion group. As usual, the final song of the night was sung by both choirs. This year’s finale song was “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” with all choirs performing together. The percussion group performed “Carol of the Bells.” The junior high choir also sang one song, which was titled “One Small Child.” 

One of the highlights was when the senior high choir sang “Sleigh Ride,” directed by music teacher Mr. Perdue, with administrator Mr. Bradford drafted for the slap stick percussion, and Mr. Martin trumpeting the horse’s whinny at the end. 

“I enjoyed being able to play festive songs like the senior high band song ‘A Christmas Festival’ because it combined many classic Christmas tunes to make one large song,” said Becca, junior. “Next year, I am excited to sing new choir songs similar to the song we sang this year, ‘Sleigh Ride.’”

The junior and senior high handbell choirs also performed beautiful Christmas pieces that they practiced far in advance during midday practices in addition to the senior high’s early morning practices. 

“The ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’ was my favorite piece to perform because it is one of my favorite Christmas tunes, and it was a fun piece to play because we incorporated comedic actions that made the audience laugh,” said Audrey, junior handbell player. 

The elementary concert was more lighthearted and casual, showcasing musical talents from K3 to 6th grade. The K3 choir sang “Away in a Manger” and “Jingle, Jingle Little Bell,” while ringing their bell instruments, and the K4-K5 choir sang “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “The Greatest Gift of All,” and “Christmas Cookies.” 

The handchime special “Go Tell it on the Mountain” was beautifully performed by 35 students from 6th grade. 

The kindergarten and elementary choirs are directed by Mrs. Amanda Probus who works with the kids throughout the fall to put on a well-rehearsed performance. The 1st-3rd grade choirs sang “The 12 Days of Christmas” and the 4th-6th choirs sang “On a Night Long Ago” and “Somewhere In My Memory,” with several students playing handbells along with the singing.  

For the finale, Mrs. Probus had all of the elementary choirs combine to sing one song together. The song was a classic Christmas carol, “Silent Night,” which was a memorable way to end the evening.