Article by Phoenix writer Griffin Noumair ’24:
On Wednesday, December 13th, the Latin School held their annual Christmas Concert.
The Praetorian Orchestra started it off by performing the National Anthem, and then proceeded to play an array of Christmas songs. This included “Still the First Noel”, which combines two classic Christmas Carols in “Still Still Still” and “The First Noel”, “What Child Is This”, also known as Greensleeves, and Sleigh Ride, which featured students Theresa Stein and Rae Haag on percussion.
Following their performance was the Cadet Chorus, who entered the auditorium singing “A Candle For Peace”. This was followed up by carols “Sing We Now of Christmas”, “The Angel’s Sing”, and “Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!”, which included the students playing the melody on the kazoo.
The Centurion Band next played their arrangement of Christmas songs. This included “Christmas Stomp”, “Christmas Truce of 1914”, and “When Santa’s away, the Elves Will Pay!”
After their performance, the Tyro Chorus started off by singing “At Christmas Time”, which is set to the popular folk tune, “The Water Is Wide”. This was followed by the songs “A-Caroling We Go”, “A Christmas Melody”, and “Holiday Lights”, all of which include solos from various students.
Next, the Praetorian Band began their time on stage with the song “Names’ Claus, Santa Claus”. Following this piece, they played “Christmas Pipes”, and then ended with “3 Minute Nutcracker”.
The Tyro and Squire Chorus was the last group to perform, who opened with “O Come All Ye Faithful”. Next they sang “Pacem Noel”, which was accompanied by a string quartet. The Chorus ended off with the songs “Christmas Children” and “Hallelujah!”
The concert concluded with the Chorus, Band and Orchestra joining forces and performing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.
The next day, December 14th, the Firebird Orchestra opened the concert in tribute to the Kellenberg family members serving in the armed forces with the “National Anthem”. Opening strong, The Firebird Orchestra opened up with “Christmas in the Caribbean”, featuring O Tannenbaum. Following, The Orchestra performed a classic christmas rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, featuring Amaya Cigliano on drums, and concluded with “Jingle Bells”
Following the Orchestra, the Firebird chorus opened their portion using the art of acapella and piano to serenade listeners. The Firebird Chorus demonstrated a variety of themes through their songs, ranging from comfort in “No Room, No Room” and “Jubilate Deo” to nostalgia in “Little Drummer Boy” and “ Feliz Navidad.”
Concluding the night, The Firebird Band’s portion of the concert highlighted classic jazz and christmas songs, swaying the audience with iconic works of music. Their renditions of “Joyful Tidings”, Arctic Blast, and “The Good Kings Groove” brought the evening to an end.
The following Friday, December 15th, Phoenix Christmas Concert was held. Before any of the performances began, the Phoenix Chorus sang the National Anthem.
The performances were kicked off by the Phoenix Orchestra performing the fourth movement of Dvorak New World Symphony. This amazing performance was followed by “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” a rendition of Tchaikosvky’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies” known simply as “Faeries,” and a “Holly Jolly Mixed Up Medley,” containing eleven different sacred and secular songs.
After the Phoenix Orchestra’s performance ended, the Phoenix Chorus reentered the auditorium to sing classics such as “Carol of the Bells,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “The Christmas Canon”. Newer favorites such as “Winter Song” and “Christmas Isn’t Canceled (Just You!)” were also performed. Featured senior soloists were Emily Connelly, Francesca Papetti, Bridget McLaughlin, James Abruzzo, Andras Cserenyi Jr. The vocalists were accompanied by Jack Tedesco ‘25 on the piano and Amaya Cigliano ‘25 on the cello.
The conclusion of the Chorus brought out the Phoenix Band, who began with “A Mad Russian’s Christmas.” Other medleys were also performed by the band, such as “Christmas at the Movies” and “Christmas Festival Overture.” Other songs included were “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Chant C’est Noel.”
To conclude the night, the Phoenix Band, Chorus, and Orchestra performed “Jubilant Christmas” together.
“The student concert was another great success and I consider myself very lucky to be apart of it all. ‘Graduating’ from a Firebird ensemble to a Phoenix one, I can really tell the difference in skill in all areas across ensembles.” Says Jack Tedesco, ‘25.
Overall, the Christmas Concerts were a success and an excellent start to the holiday season.
