It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and while there may not be much mistletoe-ing, your heart will be glowing. Our musical ensembles have been working hard to put on their annual Christmas Concert.

“This is the one time of year that all musicians get to perform together and share the same stage,” said band and orchestra assistant Mr. Andy Edelen, “It’s a really fun time as teachers to see everyone work so well together.”

Collaboration plays a key role in the Winter Concert, allowing students from different musical ensembles to work together.

“Most of the time we have our own separate concerts, it’s like you’re on your own little island,” said orchestra director Ms. Vanessa Hall, “With the Winter Concert, we all get to come together as one to celebrate Christmas.”

In addition to the arts department, the Winter Concert provides an opportunity for the community to come together.

“I think this is a lovely event for our community,” Cardinal Singers and Men’s Choir director Mr. Kris Olson said. “So many people attend it and it involves so many different people in our arts department, it kind of represents what Winchester can be.”

Even before the Winter Concert, the students have been inspiring each other musically.

“My kids loved the Cardinal Singers performance of “White Winter Hymnal” from the Fall Concert, so we hopped on the Pentatonix train as well,” said women’s choir director Ms. Holly Bennett. “We’re going to do an adapted version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”.”

Programming for the concert is a lengthy and complex process. 

“We start getting email threads going in early November about what each teacher’s thinking about for their ensembles, ensuring we don’t overlap or accidentally do the same thing,” said Olson.

Even up to the day before, precise details have to be figured out.

“We have to put the concert together like a puzzle,” Edelen said. “Making sure everyone and every instrument is where it needs to be isn’t always the easiest task.”

Both onstage and behind the scenes, students are making memories at the Winter Concert.

“The night before the concert, we always have a dress rehearsal,” said Cardinal Singers vice-president Heiraelle Osborne. “It’s really chaotic, but it’s also super fun because everyone is excited about the concert.” 

This experience is more than just a concert to these students, it’s an opportunity to bring people together.

“The Winter Concert is special to everyone involved,” senior band member Caitlynn McDuffard said. “Oftentimes, you can make the audience emotional or happy and it’s just an amazing feeling.”

Students and teachers alike are excited to show off their hard work to the community. 

“It’s a great time to join in on the holiday spirit, but also it’s a really nice moment that we can showcase the excellence in our musical programs here at GRC,” Edelen said.

Balancing tradition and innovation is crucial to keeping the Winter Concert feeling fresh.

“The audience wants traditions like silent night and the things that we always love to hear,” Bennett said. “Interspersed, we’re gonna do something new.”

The orchestra is performing one song they did last year with additions suggested by the students.

“One piece that we’re playing is a very traditional “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”, while the other is a traditional carol that has been modernized,” Hall said.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the Winter Concert without the annual traditions either.

“My favorite part of the Winter concert is getting to perform “Sleigh Ride”,” McDuffard said. “It is so much fun to play and we usually have a special guest playing with us.”

Another favorite annual tradition is when the band, choir, and orchestra unite for the finale.

“I enjoy coming together at the end of the night with everyone who has performed and singing Silent Night with the lights off in the dark,” said senior Women’s Choir member Hailey Hicks. “It’s a very emotional experience with the people we love around us.”

While fading the lights might seem unimportant, it adds to the powerful nature of the performance.

“Having the lights out, all you’re doing is focusing on the music and the collaboration,” said Osborne. “It allows for a moment of peace and serenity, and it’s wonderful.”

The Winter Concert is a great time to gather and appreciate all of the talented individuals we have here at GRC. For seniors, this event sparks some bittersweet feelings about leaving their music programs behind after graduation. 

“This being my last winter concert is really emotional but also exciting,” said Hicks. “I am sad that I’m leaving the memory behind, but I am excited to start new chapters.”

The tradition of singing “Silent Night” together also allows an opportunity for student leadership.

“For seniors, this is their fourth year learning the same songs,” said Bennett, “so, we get to let the kids bring each other into the tradition of it.”

This concert will certainly be full of great music and lots of holiday fun. 

“We work really hard on this concert and the kids deserve to be seen,” said Olson, “Also, Santa will be there. And Santa knows who attends and who doesn’t.”