Sounds of Christmas music could be heard at Braxton County High School on Thursday, December 12 as members of the Braxton County High School and Braxton County Middle School bands and choirs performed for their annual Christmas Concert.
BCMS sixth grade band got the show started with performances of “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” Claire de la Lune,” an excerpt from “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Rock This Band.”
The middle school choir followed with “Deck the Halls,” “Winter,” “Silent Night” with the BCHS Choir, “In the Bleak Midwinter” with sixth grade percussion and keys, “O Christmas Tree” and “Santa Tell Me” with a solo by Olivia Arden.
To finish up the middle school portion of the program, the seventh and eighth grade band performed “Old St. Nick Takes a Rockin’ Trip” with the BCMS Choir, an excerpt from “Three Dances from the Nutcracker” and “Christmas Processional.”
The BCHS Choir sang “Winter Wonderland” for the large crowd.
The BCHS Jazz band performed “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “The First Noel.”
The high school band played “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “A Handel Festival,” “Appalachian Morning,” “Christmas Finale” with the choir and as always they ended the night with “The Polar Express.”
During the high school performance several individuals had solo opportunities on various instruments showcasing the talent and dedication of the students.
Both directors thanked the students and everyone who made the concert possible.
“For those who have not met me yet, I would like to thank you wholeheartedly for allowing me the privilege of teaching your children! I hold my Band/ Choir students to a higher standard than anyone else in the school, and so far this year, most all of us have either met or exceeded that expectation. We have made massive improvements since last year, and I look forward to being a part of everyone’s musical journey as they continue through school. To my students: you all remind me daily of why I chose this profession, and I hope to instill joyful memories of music that will last for the rest of your lives. I love you all, and Happy Holidays!” stated BCMS Director Ethan Gibson.
BCHS Director Lydia Gibson had this to say about the concert, “Thank you to everyone who made this concert possible this evening; it is no easy task to put together this much music with this many kids. Thank you to my students who have worked tirelessly on their literature and are performing beautifully. This first semester has flown by, but I am so proud of everything you have accomplished, and I look forward to all your accomplishments in the coming years! Happy Holidays everyone!”