Feuding Farm Animals and a Fairy Turned Spy

Early Grades

This year’s Early Grades Christmas Concert brought back an old favorite. Straw & Order, a twist on the name of the popular TV series, Law & Order, this nativity play was last directed by Mrs. Revell, back when our current Upper School Students were in Early Grades. This heartwarming and humorous retelling of the Christmas story, featuring a judge, stable animals, Wise men with buzzers, and more, drew many smiles and much laughter from its audience. 

 

 

From singing cows and dancing sheep to quiz show-style wise men and angels playing the recorder, our littlest students poured their hearts into bringing the Nativity Scene to life in a fun, festive way. With delightful songs like “We’re Not Moving,” “The Sheep Shimmy,” and “Precious Baby,” the performance seamlessly blended creativity and tradition, celebrating the talents of each grade. Our youngest performers (P1) charmed the audience as sheep, while our older students (4th and 5th grade) delivered witty lines, strong vocals, and beautiful instrumental transitions.

 

 

The program concluded with the song titled “The First Christmas Night,” bringing the whole school and stable together in a final, joyful number.

Come on and celebrate, rejoice, and sing the good news of the Savior King.

 

 

Thank you, Ms. Laura Danneker and Ms. Rebecca Lingenhoel, for directing such a delightful and endearing retelling of the story of Christ's birth.

 

 

 

Middle Grades

The festivities continued the next day, with the Middle Grades Christmas Concert. With a program that ranged from traditional carols to festive favorites and cultural pieces from around the world, students showcased their growing talent, hard work, and love of music. Ms. Laura Danneker directed both the 6th Grade and 7th and 8th Grade Band, while Mrs. Rebecca Lingenhoel directed the 7th and 8th Grade Choir.  

 

 

The 6th graders opened the evening with "Christmas Medley" by Bruce Pearson, followed by a spirited rendition of "The First Christmas March" by John O’Reilly. The 7th and 8th Grade Band took listeners on an auditory journey through "Asian Folk Rhapsody" by Richard Saucedo. They then launched a top-secret investigation, going undercover to crack the case of the mysterious disappearance of the Nutcracker with the help of a Winterpol operative, "Secret Agent Sugar Plum," arranged by Scott Watson. This electrifying piece blended the elegance of Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” with the suspense of classic spy score idioms, creating a playful and jovial close to the instrumental section of the night. 

 

 

The audience then continued their musical journey as the 7th and 8th Grade Choir sang "A La Media Noche," a beautiful traditional Spanish carol arranged by Steve Hodges.

 

 

They concluded the concert with a beautiful performance of "Shepherd’s Joy" by John Parker and Mark Hayes and featuring stunning instrumental solos by Mira T. on violin and Min Kyu L. on flute.

 

 

Thank you to Ms. Laura Danneker and Mrs. Lingenhoel for leading our young musicians with such creativity, care, and heart.