Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

Winter concert wonderland

Christmas music performed by high school ensembles

Familiar tunes and new selections were performed by students in the music department of Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School during the winter concert on Sunday, Dec. 10.

The jazz choir began the afternoon with the familiar "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town."

"Noel" was the first selection for the concert choir, with words sung in the Kituba dialect of Central Africa. The lyrics in English are: "Noel! Noel! Jesus has come to live with us. If you want to know the Child, you have to come kneel." Soloists participating in an echo sequence were Eric Aguirre, Noah Niichel, Dawson Niichel, Nathaniel Ball, Moises Gonzalez and Ryan Grotluschen. Percussion accompanists were Graham Lux, Cameryn Wilson, Nathan Schreur, Ava Reitsma and Andrew Yenzer.

Cellist Faith Wittrock, of Primghar, accompanied "Under Winter Moon." The choir also sang an arrangement of "Joy to the World" and the "Carol of the Bells," which featured choir alumni and staff. The vocal groups were directed by Kristi Daggett.

The concert band, directed by Andrew Yenzer, performed "The Polar Express" (Medley), "Variations on Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" and "Winter Wonderland." The audience was invited to participate in the traditional "Christmas Sing-along."