ST. MARYS — Throughout December, the St. Marys Area High School Choir conducted a seven-stop tour to spread joy and Christmas cheer around Elk County.
Choir Director Adam Brooks said the holiday tour began with a concert in Carpin Auditorium on Nov. 30, which was followed by the Make-A-Wish radio breakfast Dec. 1.
Toward the end of December, both the select chorus and concert choirs performed at Bennetts Valley Senior Center, South St. Marys Street Elementary School, Wendy’s of St. Marys and St. Marys Area Middle School. The tour concluded with a school concert for students.
Brooks said this year was particularly special for the students, as in 2022, it was “snowed out” due to school being canceled.
“We were a bit sad that we didn’t get to perform,” he said. “The members of the Bennetts Valley Senior Center were thrilled that we were able to come back this year. They made us cookies and had a wonderful time singing along with our songs.”
Under Brooks’ direction, students performed selections such as “A Muppet Christmas Medley,” “Masters in This Hall,” “Here We Come A-Caroling,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and others.
“They always conclude with a German-language version of ‘Silent Night,’” he noted.
New to the tour this year was the stop at SSMSES, where Brooks says they held a holiday concert for all of the students and led a sing-a-long.
“I think it’s nice that the younger students get to see the older students perform, and the elementary teachers (also) get to see their former students,” he said. “It’s good role modeling.”
Considered a “pop up” performance was the one that took place at Wendy’s, where all the workers stopped to watch and listen.
“Other patrons enjoyed the music as they ate,” Brooks said. “It’s a nice little tradition that we do every year.”
Brooks noted that his favorite part is getting SMAHS students involved and out into the community.
“It’s an extension of the learning we do in our music classroom revolving around leadership, teamwork, and stepping out of our shells to do something fun.”
SMAHS junior Lydia Kopp commented on what she enjoys about the holiday tour.
“One of my favorite memories from when I was in elementary school was watching the high school musicians perform before Christmas break. It was even more memorable to return the favor now as a high school student,” she said.
SMAHS freshmen Allison Pociask called her first holiday tour experience “a wonderful time.”
“I loved seeing the elementary kids reactions to all of the sing-a-long songs,” she said. “There was also something so touching about the senior center, the way the elders lit up when they heard a song they knew. It was a pleasant experience that I would love to do again in coming years.”
Another tour is held in the spring time, noted Brooks.
“We are looking forward to going out again.”
