What is Christmas without Christmas music?! Sure you can find the old-fashioned Christmas songs by switching the radio station, but the energy and cheerful feel of live Christmas music cannot be beaten. Over the next four weeks, the talented ensembles of the BPHS music program are giving the community plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sounds of the holiday season!

Kicking off the festivities on Wednesday, Nov. 30 was BPHS’ Jazz Band who performed at the Community Center for  “Light Up Night.” Many people gathered to hear the Jazz Band along with IMS’s 8th grade choir.

This upcoming Sunday, Dec. 4, Top 21 will travel to the Community Center for their yearly Christmas Community Foundation performance at 4 p.m. The group will collaborate with Community Band South to perform contemporary versions of the traditional carols we all know and love.

On Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m., BPHS will host the annual Holiday Concert with performances from Symphonic Band, Symphonic Orchestra, Concert Choir, Top 21, and Girls Chorus. Many members of the community specifically look forward to this concert along with the Bethel Park alumni who are invited to join in singing “Hallelujah Chorus,” a BP tradition, every year.

Two days later on Friday, Dec. 23, Top 21 will venture downtown for the day to sing their repertoire of carols at PPG Wintergarden at noon. This visit downtown is a popular gathering for parents and friends right before Christmas.

All of the ensembles have been working towards these performances since the beginning of the school year and you can tell that they are all looking forward to showing off what they have learned during such an anticipated season. The students of the music program and their directors encourage all members of the community to come take part in and enjoy these events during the holidays.

Also, keep your eyes open for Christmas carolers in the rotundas from Top 21 in between periods!