On Dec. 20, 2023, middle and high school music teacher and choir director Mrs. Rebecca Wiles and elementary school music teacher and choir director Mrs. Amy Finnerty held the annual Christmas concert. The concert included Innovation, Minivation, and the high school, middle school, and elementary school choruses. Innovation, under the direction of Mrs. Wiles and Mrs. Finnerty, opened the concert with their dance titled “Gettin’ in the Mood (for Christmas)” arranged by Mac Huff.

The middle school chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Wiles and accompanied by Mrs. Finnerty, sang next. Their first song was called “The Festival of Lights,” arranged by Tom Anderson. Their second selection was titled “Winter Lullaby,” arranged by Pinkebra. Their last song was “Christmas… In About Three Minutes” arranged by Mark Weston.

Then, Minivation, directed by Mrs. Wiles, performed “Ugly Christmas Sweater” arranged by Jill Gallina. Next was “A Muppet Christmas Carol Medley” arranged by Ryan O’Connell.        

Next up, the High School chorus, directed by Mrs. Wiles and accompanied by Mrs. Finnerty, performed their portion of the concert. Their first selection is known as “Patapan Fantasia,” arranged by Audrey Snyder. Their next number was called “It Feels New (A Winter Song),” arranged by Pinkzebra. Their third and final song was a classic, “Sleigh Ride” arranged by Hawley Ades.

Again, Innovation sang with a beautiful piece called “The Bells of Christmas Medley” arranged by Greg Gilpin. This piece is a version of “Carol of the Bells” or “Ukrainian Bell Carol” originally written by Mykola Leontovych in 1914. This song was performed as an acapella arrangement.

The Elementary Chorus, under the direction of Finnerty and accompanied by Wiles, sang “Zum Gali Gali” arranged by Greg Gilpin. This song also featured senior innovation and chorus member Jordan Knouse on the flute. Following this was a song called “Good Night” arranged by Doreen Rao. Last but not least was a song called “A Holly Jolly Celebration,” arranged by Douglas E. Wagner.

Mrs. Wiles commented, “Overall I thought it was one of the best winter choral concerts we’ve had in a long time.  I was very proud of all the hard work that all the ensembles put into their music!”At the very end, there was a joint choir Christmas carol sing-a-long finale. The audience was encouraged to sing along with innovation, mini-vation, and the high school, middle school, and elementary choruses for some fun holiday cheer. “I always enjoy the Christmas Carol sing-a-long at the end of the concert,” said Mrs. Wiles. “Hearing the audience sing is always fun from the stage”