Taking their seats and picking up their instruments, Washington Township High Schools Wind Ensemble sets the stage for their Holiday Concert.

Preforming with Mixed Chorus, Women’s Chorus, Chorale, and members of the Orchestra, the band joined in to celebrate December and ring in the Christmas spirit with upbeat, traditional, as well as unique song choices to get the crowd singing along.

“We’ve been preparing for this for many months and we were all really excited for this night. It’s always fun preforming with the chorus and orchestra, and it’s always a great time.” Saxophonist Colin Lambe ’17 said.

The night began with an introduction from the Principal, and the schools Mixed Chorus singing new songs they’ve been practicing since September. Chorus director and teacher, Mr. Joseph Zachowski, conducted his students and accompanied them on the piano to help add to the festive mood.

“The holiday concert is always such a fun time. It’s very lively, and it’s so funny to hear everyone singing along to the songs they recognize, it really brings the school together.” Oboist Emily Faust ’17 said.

After the Mixed Chorus preformed a few songs, the women’s chorus set the stage and preformed Christmas and Hanukah songs that were familiar to people in the audience.

Kaeley Bogan ’17 said. “Watching the show, I had just as much fun as the performers were having. Everyone in the audience, including me, was clapping and singing along, and cheering when they saw their friends walk onto the stage.”

Along with the Chorale performing last before the band, 4 orchestra members joined in the holiday cheer and preformed along with the chorus, and also along with the band during the big finale.

The chorale performed old-school traditional songs, as well as newer covers of traditional songs, including covers by the vocal group Pentatonix, where performer’s used their voices and mouths to create sounds that imitate instruments, otherwise known as a cappella singing. Mr. Zachowski took much pride in his student’s success with such hard pieces, and overall it was a very positive and uplifting environment that added to the spirit of Christmas.

Once the chorus had finished getting the crowd going, the Wind Ensemble band program performed many songs, conducted by Band Director Mr. Casey Corigliano.  Songs like “Carol of the Bells”, “O Holy Night”, and “Merry Christmas to You” were played by all 5 groups, which excited the crowd and made everyone look forward to Christmas and the holiday break.