Music in the Air

Student Reporter: Jordan Dykstra


Oh the weather outside is frightful, but Christmas concerts are so delightful. This time of the year brings blustering winds and heavy, falling snow. It also brings Christmas music to the air. Whether it is on the radio or sung in the shower, Christmas music is everywhere. Band and choir teachers also look forward to this time of the year because they can pick out music for their students to sing and play.


This year’s winter band concert was on Monday, December 15, 2008. It started at seven o’clock and was kicked off by the 6th grade band led by Mrs. Lori MacRae. The 7th graders and 8th graders played after them. Following the middle school performances the freshmen/sophomore band took the stage. Their band was led by Mr. Tom Paulson. The songs they performed were Coast Guards March, Brookpark Overture, Theme De Noel, and The Carolers, Fanfare for Band. After the freshmen/sophomore band left, the junior/senior band gave their performance. The songs they played were Bonds of Unity March, Festive Scenario, A Christmas Trilogy, and Winter Holiday. Jackie Sopko, a senior, said “Mr. Paulson does a really good job with the band. He has a really fun time picking out holiday music for us to play.”


A week after the band concert, it was the choir’s turn to perform. This year, the concert was at First Reformed Church in Cedar Grove on Monday, December 22, 2008. There were two concerts, both of which were directed by Mrs. Linda Ruona. The first one started at 7:00 pm and was for the 5th and 6th grade choirs. The second concert started at 7:45 and the 7th, 8th, and high school choirs performed. The high school choir sang five numbers. The numbers were Great Day, Carol of the Bells, Christmas Peace Canon, With a Voice of Singing, and It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas. “A lot of preparing went into the concert, and with the snow days we had, we had to crunch our rehearsal times to make sure we got everything done,” said Jordan Dykstra, a senior.


Mrs. Linda Ruona, Mr. Tom Paulson, and all members of band and choir thank everyone who came out in the cold, snowy weather to support them.