The ECS Christmas Concert opened with the Concert Choir processing down the aisle singing the German song, “Sing Dem Herrn” (Sing to the Lord), ending in three parts a cappella on stage. Traditional carols included “I Saw Three Ships” and a song that creatively combined the spirituals, “Amen!” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” “Ose Shalom” (The One Who Makes Peace) in Hebrew featured ECS students Elizabeth Y. on the violin and Mila I. on double bass.
The Beginning Guitar class played three songs in 3-4 parts from music notation, including the familiar carols, “The Holly and the Ivy” and “Joy to the World.” They also strummed chords using different strumming patterns while Concert Choir member Dawson K. played percussion, and Todd L., former member of the Beginning Guitar class, played melody on acoustic guitar to “Wade in the Water.”
Three former guitar students, Gabe H., Buzzy J., and Todd L., and current student Sawyer C. formed the Advanced Guitar Ensemble, playing a challenging 4-part version of “The Carol of the Bells.”
The Honors Choral Ensemble began their set with two a cappella carols, “Here We Come A-Caroling,” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.” They finished with a difficult jazz version of “My Favorite Things,” featuring a scat duet by Kerry C. and Caroline C., and a solo by Niya H.
Our concert ended with a beautiful Christmas song, “Peace, Peace,” combining the Concert Choir, Guitar Ensemble, violin played by Elizabeth Y., and piano accompaniment by Dovey E. The audience participated in this song by singing one verse of “Silent Night” led by Nicole M., at the same time the Concert Choir sang the last verse of “Peace, Peace.” It was a beautiful evening of Christmas music!