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On Friday, December 15th the Calais School officially kicked off the Holiday Season with our annual Winter Concert in the Calais School Auditorium. Dr. Manno, our principal and MC, opened the event with a brief greeting to a packed audience of faculty, staff, students, and the parents and family of our talented performers. Our Music Teacher and conductor, Mr. Aquino, addressed the crowd and introduced the Calais Concert Band. Following the opening greetings, the entire auditorium stood with hands over hearts as the band played the Star Spangled Banner.
Students in elementary, middle and high school presented a variety of seasonal and holiday tunes showcasing the band and the choir. The band performed first, starting with the Traditional English Carol, “Good King Wenceslas.” Next they played “Jolly Old St. Nick” followed by “Jingle Bells” arranged by Chuck Elledge. High school clarinetists Heather M. and Jake B. played a duet of Silent Night arranged by Mark Feezell. The full band continued with “A Celebration of Hanukkah,” The Nutcracker” and finished out their set with “Carol of the Bells.”
The school choir’s performance took place in the second half. Rosario Aquino accompanied the choir on piano. They opened with “Winter Wonderland as arranged by Roger Emerson. Then they performed “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” arranged by Allan Billingsley. Next the choir sang an Israeli Folk Song entitled “Shalom Chaverim.” The choir closed down the house with a vibrant rendition of Home for the Holidays (There’s No Place Like).
Members of the concert band and choir worked really hard rehearsing their selections to deliver a festive performance that really captured the Holiday Spirit. A special thanks goes out to Mr. Catalano’s Art Class for designing the stage decorations and to the Calais School administration for their continued support of the music program.
On behalf of the Calais School we want to wish all of our Calais families a healthy and happy holiday season!
