Singing in the Spirit of the Season

By: Sophia Karron

Just about two weeks ago, our school’s winter chorus concert marked a meaningful close to the semester, showcasing a wide range of musical styles. The concert highlighted not only the growth of the ensembles but also the sense of community and joy that choral music brings during the winter season.

After the 7/8 Choir, the Concert Choir opened their portion of the program with “Bidi Bom,” an energetic and rhythmically complex piece that immediately set the tone for the night. This was followed by “African Noel,” a vibrant arrangement that had a driving pulse and created a festive and dynamic sound. We then performed “Sing Gently,” which was a beautifully expressive work that emphasized unity and hope. The Concert Choir concluded with “The Times They Are A-Changing,” originally written by Bob Dylan. This piece stood out for its powerful message using harmony and text to reflect themes of change and awareness that remain relevant today. 

The Vocal Ensemble continued the program with a contrasting set of pieces. The Vocal Ensemble performed “Moon River,” which brought a sense of nostalgia and warmth. The next piece was “You Raise Me Up,” which showcased strong emotional delivery and blended harmonies. We ended with “30-Second Merry Christmas,” a fast-paced and somewhat humorous holiday tune that, in reality, lasted around 34 seconds. This piece was my personal favorite. It was very short and sweet, perfectly capturing the excitement and joy of the season. Its quick transitions and familiar melodies created a jolly atmosphere, reminding everyone why holiday concerts are so special. 

Overall, the winter chorus concert was a memorable evening that reflected the hard work and dedication of all the singers. Through a thoughtful selection of music, the ensembles were able to celebrate the season while also sharing meaningful messages with the audience.