Everybody knows that Christmas simply wouldn’t be the same without the cozy Hallmark movies, the steamy hot cocoa, and most importantly, the catchy Christmas songs. Whether that means blaring Christmas favorites on a late night drive or simply playing instrumental classics in the background, this holiday season is undoubtedly dull and incomplete without the cheery playlists! Just as Buddy the Elf had famously said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
Here at Barbers Hill, we are proud to showcase this Christmas spirit with the help of our spectacular Choral Department! Last Thursday on December 14th, the BHHS Choir presented their selection of Christmas favorites at the Salt Dome Theater. The evening featured two concerts, each exhibiting their own unique and luxurious set of songs, in addition to a variety of soloists and ensembles.
At 6:00 the Junior Varsity concert performance began, and combined choirs, which included all choir members, started off the night with a heartful and traditional “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” Following their impactful and solemn harmonies, the choir continued to serenade the crowd with hymns both old and new, such as “Little Drummer Boy” to “While By My Sheep”. Following the JV concert, the Varsity choir took the stage at 7:30, delivering tunes with a variety of chords and blends, ranging from “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” to “Silent Night”. While the crowd absolutely flourished listening to all their selections, the mixed varsity performance of “Bell Carol of the Kings” stood out as a crowd favorite. This collaboration featured the previous choir director, Sandy Pentecost, and previous choir members all the way from 1999.
Additionally, Mrs. Taleno, the head Choir teacher, expresses that the main vision for this year’s concert was tradition. When voting and picking out which songs to perform, the choir goes through an explicit process to ensure a diverse playlist the audience will relish. After first listening and sightreading, the students solfège the song, which is a musical technique which adds “do re mi…” syllables to help the students in pitch and accuracy. Then, different choirs add varied pronunciations and even languages, like German in the Meistersingsers choir. Many students noted that their favorite part of being in choir is being introduced to not only new pop songs, but timeless classics that are a “must-add to your playlist.”
While the choir undoubtedly ensured a sentimental experience for the crowd, have you ever wondered how the choir felt behind the scenes? What was it like backstage? “Being backstage is nerve-racking but one of the best parts of the experience!” says Isabella Davis. Had their concerts impacted them in any way at all? Has the way they view the Christmas season changed? According to Ronnie Kimble, “I hadn’t really seen the music aspect of Christmas before I joined choir, but now that I’m in it, I realize just how beautiful and powerful Christmas songs can be, especially when sung by many strong voices!” What was
Brianna Zumel adds “I’m so thankful for everyone that I’ve gotten to know and love through these choir performances, and that going to at least one of them is a must!” Hence, It’s safe to conclude that the choir community has contributed tremendously to Mont Belvieu– not only through its heartwarming holiday tunes, but by opening people’s hearts to feel emotions greater than words can express. Next year, the Choir Department invites you to join in on the Christmas festivities! Come and see the great Christmas magic presented by our very own talented Fine Arts students and faculty!
