HOLLY JOLLY. This past Wednesday, December 11, the Jr/Sr High choir, guitar, and band classes had their Christmas program at the High School. The Vocal Ensembles, made up of both junior high and high school students, kicked off the evening with a series of well-loved Christmas carols in a “Christmas Mash Up” and “Silent Night” as well as a song written by our vocal and band director Brooklyn Coleman, called “Christmas All Year.” With their dedicated music teacher, the students demonstrated their growing musical abilities in front of a packed auditorium filled with families, friends, and community members.
The high school and junior high band also played a significant role in the evening’s festivities. The junior high band, though still relatively new to their instruments, displayed their incredible talent as they performed a series of holiday-themed pieces, including “March Into Christmas” and “Jingle Bell Rock,” with a solo performed by 8th grader Avery Bishop on the alto saxophone. The high school band, under the direction of Miss. Coleman, took things up a notch with an ambitious performance of "Christmas Festival," with a solo by Tessa Miller on the trumpet and a stunning arrangement of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" with a solo by Saige Wilcox on the timpani. The last song they played was “Polar Express.” With solos by Rilo Shill (drums), Lilly Busey (bass clarinet), Dino Conti (trumpet), Kaitlin Hemry (saxophone), Abby Thorn (timpani) and Tessa Miller (trumpet). The precision and energy in their performance captivated the audience, drawing applause with each dynamic change, and thrilling instrumental section. While the concert itself lasted just under an hour and a half, the fun and preparation that led up to the event took months of hard work, collaboration, and dedication. Students began rehearsing in early fall, learning both classic holiday tunes and more contemporary arrangements. The energy from the performers was infectious, and it was clear that the students were having just as much fun as the audience.
Article by Lili Slifer