With the stress and busy schedules that come with this time of year, it can be hard to relax and enjoy the holidays.

GRC’s musical ensembles are putting together their annual Winter Concert and it is a guaranteed stress reliever. The concert will feature our Orchestra, Bands, and Choirs. 

Orchestra director Vanessa Hall said her favorite part of the concert is the music departments getting to come together.

“Having them all come together in this celebration, getting to work with different colleagues and students, it’s beautiful,” she said. 

At the end of the concert, all students involved sing Silent Night together.

Lillian Hall, a senior in Orchestra, said it’s one of the best feelings.

“It’s kind of a cool moment to have everybody in the arts department to come together and sing,” she said.

Senior Choir member Trent Conboy-Holden said he also enjoys getting to work with the other ensembles. 

“My favorite part about the Christmas Concert is the collaboration between the different music programs to create some really awesome music,” he said. 

The Christmas concert is also a way to bring joy to the community and bring unity during the holidays. 

Peyton McIntosh, a junior band member, said she loved seeing her family and making them happy. 

“We get to see people smile about what we’re doing and hang out with our friends,” she said. 

Kristofer Olson, the choral director for both Men’s Choir and Cardinal Singers, said the concert has a way of giving people peace of mind during the holidays. 

“December can sometimes elicit the complex experience of being simultaneously joyful and stressful: Schedules get busy, final exams are coming up, families can stress about money, people miss loved ones who are no longer around,” he said. “I always strive for this concert to kindle or rekindle joy for our students, school, and community, not only during this season but for long after. It really is a special evening.”

The concert will be on Dec. 17, 2024, at 7 p.m. in GRC’s auditorium. The concert is free admission. Seats are limited, so be sure to arrive early. 

“It’s a great show,” said Ms. Hall. “It brings our community together, and you can see our kids do great things.”