The end of the year can be filled with joy, hope and holiday cheer. Whether it is frosting cookies, building a snowman or putting up decorations, many people adore the festivities that commence the holiday season. But the holidays can never be complete without Christmas carols.
PVHS’s Chamber Choir spreads holiday cheer each year by performing at local events, churches and nursing homes. These events serve as opportunities for students to engage with their community and celebrate the holiday season.
Choir students started preparing their holiday repertoire far in advance, beginning on the first day of October. With daily rehearsals alongside independent practice, these vocalists learned and memorized 17 full songs, including carols and concert pieces. “I would describe the preparation as difficult, yet rewarding,” Chamber Choir member Carly Berta noted. “Some of the carols can get really tricky because they have the same words as the songs on the radio but different notes. What makes it rewarding is getting to see the audience’s smiling faces as we sing because we get to see that we brightened their day.”
After the tedious yet exciting preparation, the choir was ready to deliver their performances and Christmas spirit to the community.
The first event took place on Nov. 8 when the choir recorded two songs to be aired on KWQC’s Choirs of Christmas. This wonderful tradition features local schools performing music that is sure to get the Quad Cities in the holiday spirit.
The next stop for the Chamber Choir was Festival of Trees on Nov. 26, which was particularly special as the annual event helps support the Quad City Arts. With beautifully decorated trees, lovely gingerbread displays and much more, the caroling performance was the final touch to the full festive experience.
Not only do these performances benefit choir students and provide them a chance to display their hard work, but the community loves listening to the music and feeling the holiday cheer. “After looking at the wonderful trees, I made sure to stop and listen to the vocal performers. I especially enjoyed listening to the Chamber Choir at Festival of Trees because they sang classic carols and delivered a fun, joyous performance for the audience,” shared Festival of Trees visitor Emma Stiener.
Along with these performances, the Chamber Choir also separated into smaller groups for multiple caroling appearances.
Singers performed at the Morgan Stanley luncheon this past week. Chamber Choir will continue their caroling tour at the Vistas Nursing Home, the Vistas Center and the QC Rotary Club meeting this week. These annual visits are a cherished tradition for singers and listeners alike.
While choir members enjoy any chance to sing for an audience, these caroling visits are especially meaningful. “It’s special to carol at these events because it’s a great way to give back to and interact with the community, and it is an opportunity we don’t get to experience the rest of the year,” expressed Berta. “A majority of the singing we do during the school year is in the theater or blackbox for family members, so it’s really exciting to also sing at other places for new people.”
To wrap up the holiday season, Chamber Choir will perform their full concert and caroling program at Our Savior Lutheran Church this Wednesday and will perform a select number of songs at the high school Holiday Concert the following Monday.
In the end, the winter months entail a busy yet exciting season of singing for choir students. Singers are challenged to prepare extensive repertoire, but they also get to show off their hard work and talent to the greater Quad City community. For many singers, it is a special time of year to unite the community through music. The Chamber Choir has spread cheer and joy to kick off the holiday season, and they will continue to do so.
