The John Carroll Music Department held its annual Christmas concert on the evening of Thursday, December 7.

The concert began with the orchestra performing three select pieces, followed by the chorus. In addition to a Christmas carol, the chorus sang a portion of “Christmas Oratorio.” The group had the opportunity to sing the entirety of this piece with Bach in Baltimore, a professional choir, on December 3.

The concert band then joined the chorus to perform a compilation of songs from The Polar Express. Next, the full orchestra and chorus performed two more songs.

Senior Al Riska said the biggest challenge was “putting together our combined ensemble pieces.”

The band also played two songs, including “Sleigh Ride.” Finally, the percussion ensemble presented “The First Noel” before intermission.

The second half of the concert began with the Patriettes, the all-girls acapella group, singing four holiday songs, including “What Child Is This?/Ave Maria.”

Then, the jazz band entertained with four songs with both vocal and instrumental soloists. Senior Somaya Morgan sang “This Christmas,” and senior Maya Millsape sang “White Christmas.”

Bella Voce, the mixed acapella group, also sang four songs, including “Mary Did You Know?” The group ended their performance with a comical rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

The concert closed with the rock band performing both Christmas songs and modern hits.

“My favorite part of the Christmas concert is seeing what the final product of all of our hard work looks like,” commented junior Dominic Barbato.

Al said the concert was “very bittersweet. The performing arts community is definitely my favorite part of this school, so while I loved getting to perform Christmas pieces with all my lovely music people, I was sad that it was the last time.”

The groups began preparing after the fall concert in October. Students practiced individually, in small group sectionals, and as a full group to ensure that the concert went smoothly.

Band Director Casey Novak said, “It is a large group effort, and I personally think the entire music department sounded really great and performed with confidence.”

“The best thing about being on stage is that it gives me the freedom to be who I am,” said rock band lead singer Camile Sergeon.