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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
New London K-12 Winter Concert begins the Holiday Season with Joy
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
Dec. 5 was the coldest day of the year. Everyone was grateful that the wind had subsided. A huge crowd of parents, families, and community members assembled in the Lorber Gymnasium for the vocal music portion of the concert. The K-12 students gave memorable performances.
Kindergarten began the concert. This is the first time they have appeared before an audience of adults. They did a splendid job with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “We Will Jingle” and their favorite “The Chipmunk song.” Each student carefully followed the hand and body movements as they were led by Ms. DeLlanos.
The selections for the First Grade were “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Feliz Navidad,” and “The Happiest Christmas Tree.” The movements to the songs were more advanced and rhythmic. The pronunciation of the Spanish was impeccable.
The “Joy of Christmas,” “Jingle, Jingle, Jingle,” and I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” rounded out the songs chosen for the Early Elementary students. The Second Grade sang with enthusiasm and gusto.
Grades Three through Five completely filled the risers. Presenting a mini-musical by this group of Upper Elementary students has become a tradition. This year Mr. Anderson chose “A Pirate Christmas.” The speaking parts were numerous. Students navigated to the microphones from their places on the risers. The crowded stage deterred no one. Acting Pirates, Reindeer, students and Santa join together in teaching everyone that giving is best. While the lyrics and songs are not as familiar as carols and hymns, they add to the coming season’s meaning and enjoyment. The scenes and skits are well related. “Island Christmas,” “Pirates All are We,” “Give and Take,” “White Beard,” “ “Instrumental Surprise’, “Cool to be Cool,” “Christmas Joy,“ and “Blimey Carols” lead up to the finale “Pirate Christmas.” Santa reigns supreme at the end! Giving is Best!
Formal music education extends to the sixth grade. While New London sixth graders are now Middle School students, a music class is part of the required curriculum. The Sixth Grade gave one of their last performances as a class. The selections chosen for this Winter Concert were “I Saw Three Ships” and “Cold Snap.” “Cold Snap” was certainly on everyone’s mind and fingers crossed while it was performed. Perhaps the rendition would bring warmer weather.
In Grades 7-12, music becomes an elective. The Junior Varsity Choir is made up of students desiring to learn more advanced vocal techniques. They demonstrated this desire with well done versions of “Christmas Day Is On Its Way” and “We Now of Fife and Drum”.“We Now of Fife and Drum” is a two part selection which is a new skill learned by the Junior Varsity Choir. Great Job!
Varsity Choir performed “Grown-Up Christmas List” and “Sing We Now of Fife and Drum.” These little-known pieces were well done. The Choir showed that they enjoyed singing both of these works.
The entire Middle School and High School Choirs joined in a finale. The group returned to well known Holiday Titles with “Up on the Housetop.” And “Jingle Bells.” The entire audience was invited to sing along with Jingle Bells. While not sure that many joined in, the vocal portion of the Winter Concert finished with great feelings and ready to attack the Holiday with vigor.
The Instrumental portion of the Winter Concert takes place in the Coberley Auditorium. The Sixth Grade Band has been working with their instruments since October. The students first have to choose their instrument of choice and this takes about a month. The administration helped make sure that each student got to play their first choice when instruments were proved. This is their first public performance ever. The pieces played are familiar to the audience as they are very traditional. “Hot Cross Buns,” “Sing Along,” “ Lightly Row,” A Mozart Meldoy” and “Jingle Bells. “
The Middle School band played “A winter’s Sleigh Ride” and “Jingle Bell Rock” These students are seventh and eighth graders. The are gaining experience, skill and improving technique. They are to be commended for their dedication.
The High School Concert Band completed the Instrumental portion of the Winter Concert. “Santa, the Barbarian,” “Twas The Night Before Christmas,” and “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas,” were chosen for this finale. A very talented group of musicians is appearing and the concert was enjoyed by the entire community.
Special guests must be mentioned. These two teachers added a sophisticated element to the season’s preparation. Mr. Wade May narrated “Twas the Night Before Christmas” as fitting music was played for the segments. He also demonstrated his skill in percussion. Mrs. Allison Lair accompanied the groups in those instances where a piano was needed.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Performing Arts Department!
