The Crown Point High School 2017 Joy of the Holidays concerts featured more than 200 choir students who shined on stage, ending in a thunderous standing ovation and happy tears.
William Woods, choral director, was overjoyed at his students’ performances on Thursday night. He was moved to tears as the audience stood in booming applause at the conclusion of both concerts.
"These groups work hard every day," Woods said. "A lot of them do college level work. They're very passionate about music. I think this concert rounds out the excellent choir program we have at Crown Point High School."
The two concerts were a culmination of the high school's eight choir groups, ranging in styles and experience levels, including Beginning/Intermediate Men’s, CPHS Show Choir, QYP, Beginning Treble, Intermediate Treble, Advanced Treble, Bella Voce and CPHS Chorale.
Throughout the night, each group performed a variety of holiday music, ranging from catchy Christmas tunes to classic Hanukah ballads. "There's some traditional songs, but we try to give variety and find things that haven't been done yet," Woods said. "Some of the songs are also educationally challenging for the choir students."
Carlton Rager, CPHS senior and bass singer, has prepared class after class for the annual holiday concert.
"I just really try to immerse myself into the music on a fundamental level, and how it moves, and all of the technical aspects," Rager said. "But, also just giving people some Christmas cheer."
Alex Drakulich, CPHS senior and section leader of the basses, said the Holiday Choir Concert is special for him and his fellow classmates.
"For this one in particular, its unique," Drakulich said. "Because it's rewarding to hear how the bass section sounds, and how far they've come, and what’s improved since the start. There's some special moments in some of these songs that bring a smile to your face after you sing them."
For Kaitlyn Bruder, CPHS junior and alto one singer, choir is the place she can let it all out.
"This concert is kind of like a challenge to all of us," Bruder said. "Plus it shows parents what we've been working on. They pushed me to do what I want to do. They love seeing me here, where I’m happiest.”
Each concert was packed with families and friends supporting their students on stage.
“I think this is great,” said Dennis Walley, who’s daughter Hannah performed that night. “Mr. Woods has done a great job with the choir, he’s taken it to the next level. It’s helped [Hannah] become more social and make more friends. They get a lot of outside experience, too, with singing at nursing homes, events, the tree lighting and such.”
Diana McCormick similarly went to cheer on her son, Alex, a sophomore at Crown Point High School.
“The boys choir is my favorite to listen to,” McCormick said. “I am really proud of him for signing up for choir. Their teacher really works with them, and I know he’s learned a lot. He’s come a long way since he started, and he’s very proud to be a part of the choir… I love going to his choir concerts, they’re all wonderful, very impressive.”
This is the last concert of the year, however, there are big performances starting up in January. Check out the Crown Point High School schedule for choir and other musical events here: https://www.cps.k12.in.us/Page/1013