This past Wednesday, December 19th, the Music Department presented their annual Holiday Concert, comprised of both choral and instrumental arrangements that left the audience excited for the winter season.
The show began at seven with a Concert Choir processional, featuring soloist Grace Barry, Rachel Salera, Mackenzie Happe, Liz Elek, Maddie Carothers and Lucy Sedor–Franzak. In the blacked-out auditorium, the members of the Choir flowed in single-file carrying candles as they sang the haunting “Veni, Emmanuel”. The performance was chilling, and definitely set the expectation high for the rest of the night, getting the audience ready for an exciting evening.
The Concert Choir continued with six more seasonal tunes, such as “In The Bleak Midwinter” featuring Joci Hyrb, Liz Elek, Holy Brueggman, and Mackenzie Happe, and “We Three Kings” featuring the men of the Concert Choir.
The night consisted of a nice break up with the Jazz Ensemble, who treated the audience to some lively Christmas tunes. Mr. Thompson jokingly warned the audience for one song saying, “you might want to get your hand sanitizer out, this tune is dirty!” They aren’t called the Jazz Ensemble for nothing!
Top 21 followed with an expectantly pleasant performance, featuring soloists Mackenzie Happe, Lucy Sedor–Franzak, Sam Herrington, and Zach Laufer. As always, the audience was engaged by their energy as they sang.
Continuing with the holiday cheer, the Ladies Choir had a fun arrangement of songs, such as “A Winter Blast!” which consisted of a medley of “Hot Chocolate”, “Frosty”, and “Suzy Snowflake” and “Mr. Santa”, which kept the audience snapping along.
The Symphonic Band was the final group to preform, and didn’t disappoint. The group treated the crowd to five songs, including “The Eighth Candle” and “Sleigh Ride”.
The concert ended with a tradition, the combined choirs and symphonic band coming together. During the close of the concert, alumni were invited up to the stage to join in on the “Hallelujah Chorus” and “Christmas Festival”. The stage was coated in the smiling faces of both past and present members, truly bringing everyone together in the holiday cheer.
Overall, the concert was a success. It was great to see a full house filled with families, past graduates, and members of the community. If you didn’t get a chance to join in on the festivities this year, I suggest stopping by for next year’s concert!