The crowds were huge. It has been a long three years since the last holiday concerts at Cople Elementary School, Washington District Elementary School and Montross Middle School. The students were finally able to show their pent up talents to parents and guests. Each group performed extremely well and were well received by the anxious and proud parents.
Under the direction of their dynamic musical leader, Mrs. Adraine Bibbens, the third, fourth, and fifth graders of Cople presented a program of thirteen fun Christmas tunes. Several students had speaking and soloist parts. The announcer was Jason Wood; soloist, Samara Thompson; Jey Lynn Minor, sign language interpreter; spoken soloist, Myla Sichol and Juan Ramos; Glockenspiel soloist, Romina Point-Du-Jour; and bongo player, Byron Yerby. Additionally, choir members showed the spirit of Christmas cheer by adding dance steps to several tunes, especially the song, “Snowman Jump”. The audience enjoyed the actions of the choir and cheered lustily throughout the students’ performance.
Another group of friends and families filled the gymnasium at Washington District Elementary School as they too celebrated the season with a K-1 choir performance. It was one of the largest groups of parents to attend an event and they thoroughly enjoyed the excitement and expertise of the singers. One distinguishing feature in the audience were the numerous cellphones recording and photographing the event. Led by the Mrs. Sabrina Passaretti, the young choir entertained the crowd with songs such as “Red and Green,” Peppermint Candy Cane,” and “Decorate the Tree.” The first graders finished the evening with their renditions of “If I Could Fly Like a Snowflake,” “Polar Puppy,” and “Hip Hop Reindeer.”
Montross Middle School’s choir began its season by performing on the beautiful stage of Westmoreland High School’s theatre. Accompanied by Mrs. Sabrina Passaretti and directed by the talented Ms. Caitlyn Rodgers, the 7th and 8th graders presented a selection of unique and classical favorites. Beginning with the “Carol of the Bells” the music showed the talents of the singers. Blended voices gave new meaning to “African Noel” and the beautiful sounds of “Ballad of the Winter Trees.” Surprise musical additions included Mr. Bruce Passeretti on drums and Kazoo playing by the choir members. “A Holly, Jolly Christmas” closed out the successful program.
The talent of the Westmoreland students was evident throughout all the programs. The music departments are to be congratulated for the hard work and long hours that made these concerts possible. Thank you to Mrs. Bibbens, Cople Elementary; Mrs. Passeretti, Washington District Elementary School; and Ms. Rodgers, Montross Middle School for bringing the magic of choral music back into the lives of our students.