Thursday 13th, December 2023- The Choirs and Bands of Central combined this Thursday in the auditorium to create The Holidays at CHS, this season’s music concert. Hosted by Mr. Propst and Mr. Imamura, the first night opened successfully to three hundred attendees who filled the auditorium to the top level, and the second night is expected to have a similar number with its promotion as a spirit card event.
It began with the Concert Band, who played Christmas Holiday March and the Waltz of the Carols. They were followed by the Concert Choir, who sang Silver Bells, accompanied by one of our English teachers, Ms. Duncan, on piano, and then White Winter Hymnal. Afterward, the Main Street Choir took the stage to sing Once Upon a December, a roaring rendition of Let It Go, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, and finished with Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town.
In addition to being Mr. Imamura’s first choir concert at Central, it was also the first time our Bands and Choirs have combined for a show in many years. As Central comes back from Covid, with many new staff, this event like many others seems to be setting the stage for many new Central traditions.
There was a brief intermission, a ten-minute interlude marked only by a frantic minute of fundraising, as band members rushed out from behind the stage curtains to collect donations from the audience. As they passed out hats with which audience members could donate to support the arts, Mr. Propst dryly noted, ‘Those hats are from the marching band last seen in the 90s. A minute later, the furrow died down, the band members receded, and the show continued.
Thus, the Jazz Band took the stage to play The Funky Dreidel, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and a jazzy rendition of Jingle Bell Rock, arranged by Mr. Propst himself. The Symphonic Choir then took the stage behind the Band to play a combined rendition of Oh Holy Night.
Next, the Symphonic Choir sang Shchedryk, The Rose that Bare Jesus, and Winter Wonderland. Then, the Symphonic Band played Angelic Hosts Proclaim, Wexford Carol, and Happy Xmas (War is Over). At the end, as a closing song, all the choirs combined to sing Peace, Peace.
With that, to a roaring applause, they took their bows, gathered their instruments, and went off stage.
From this reporter, The Holidays at CHS; A Band & Choir Concert is well worth watching, filled with a range of music for many different holiday enthusiasts. They are performing one more night, this Thursday, at 7 pm, and I would highly recommend it.
For those who are interested, below is a list of the upcoming performing arts events:
Cabaret & Auction - January 26th and January 27th
DTW Video Game Concert Fundraiser - February 10th
Choir Festival Showcase - March 20th
Spring Band Concert - April 4th
Spring Musical - May 9th to May 8th
Senior Band Concert - May 29th
CHS End of Year Choir Concert - May 30th