Band and choral concerts usher in the Christmas holiday season
Student musicians at Cairo High School are giving the community a selection of opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit with upcoming performances by both the C.H.S. Bands and by the C.H.S. Chorus. The annual Christmas Concert presented by the C.H.S. Bands will be held at the high school auditorium beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday. The Choral Department will present “Sing Joy! A Christmas Celebration” in the sanctuary of Cairo First United Methodist Church on Monday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.
Bandmaster John Scanling and choral director Erikka Edwards encourage the community to come out and support the student musicians and enjoy the programs of seasonal music.
The first concert of local band students will begin with the C.H.S. Jazz Band, which will open the program with three selections. First off will be “Frosty the Snow Man” by Steve Nelson & Jack Rollins and arranged by Jerry Nowak. Next up will be “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by Johnny Marks and arranged by Jerry Nowak. The Jazz Band, under the baton of Director Scanling will wrap up its portion of the program with “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Johnny Marks and arranged by Jerry Nowak.
The C.H.S. Concert Band, directed by Adam Swann, will perform “A Christmas Flourish” by James Curnow; “Fantasy on Coventry Carol” arranged by Jerry Brubaker; “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch” by Albert Hague and arranged by Michael Story; and will conclude with “The Sounds of Christmas Joy” by James Swearingen.
To conclude the concert will be the C.H.S. Symphony Band under the director of Director Scanling. The Symphony Band will perform “Ukranian Bell Carol” arranged by Richard L. Saucedo; “A Merry Brassy Christmas” arranged by John Cacavas; and will conclude with “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson.
There is no admission charged and the community is invited to attend.
The choral concert will include performances of various traditional Christmas carols including “Oh, Holy Night,” “Carol Of The Bells” and “I’ll be Home for Christmas.”
In addition to the complete chorus, there will be performances by the Advanced Women’s Ensemble, a trio and various soloists.
Mr. Edward Self will accompany the singers during the concert, which is free and open to the public.
