![ensemble xmas concert]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1734696873/icsbudapestorg/h3mymgnnsqnym4cso9s1/IMG_09741.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1734696873/icsbudapestorg/h3mymgnnsqnym4cso9s1/IMG_09741.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1734696873/icsbudapestorg/h3mymgnnsqnym4cso9s1/IMG_09741.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1734696873/icsbudapestorg/h3mymgnnsqnym4cso9s1/IMG_09741.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1734696873/icsbudapestorg/h3mymgnnsqnym4cso9s1/IMG_09741.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1734696873/icsbudapestorg/h3mymgnnsqnym4cso9s1/IMG_09741.jpg","width":2200}])
Upper School Choir, Ensemble, and Band gave a brilliant and worshipful performance in their Christmas Concert last night.
The evening started with the Upper School band performing James L. Pierpont’s "Jingle Bells Swing," arranged by Mark Lort, followed by Jeff Simmon's "Cowboy Christmas," bringing a unique Western flair to the Christmas repertoire.
Then, it was the Ensemble's turn to jazz things up. They wowed the audience with their incredibly tight and fun performance of "Three Jazzy Bell Carols" by Jay Rouse and Jingle Bells by Mac Huff.
The band retook the stage with "A Christmas Flourish" by Randall Standridge. They concluded with a beautiful medley of "Joy to the World" combined with "For Unto Us," beautifully arranged by Jamey Ray, showcasing the brilliance of George Frideric Handel’s timeless work in Messiah. The choir would go on to sing two more sections from his masterpiece.
Before the choir took the stage, the audience was astounded by an emotional duet performed by Mira T. on violin and Michael M. on piano. The dimmed gym was silent except for the stunning sound of these two exceptionally talented students playing the strings of their respective instruments. Their performance of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," arranged by McDonald and Nelson, was breathtaking and an appropriate transition into the more serene and reverent pieces the choir was about to sing.
The Ensemble again took center stage and sang "Listen Here" by Jay Althouse. Following them, some choir members took the stage while others surrounded the audience. In this formation, they sang Eric Whitacre's "Lux Aurumque" over the audience, mesmerizing them with its luminous harmonies. They continued the worshipful tone with Matt Redman and Chris Tomlin's rendition of "Noel" arranged by Heather Sorenson. This choral arrangement of a modern worship song made its essential message even more impactful. They went on to an energetic performance of Vivaldi’s classic "Gloria" and took us to church in their performance of "God With Us" by Jason Ingram and Leslie Jordan, arranged by Jay Althouse.
Two of their last few songs were from Handel's Messiah. This world famous oratorio was originally written to be performed at Easter; however, over the years, it has become a staple of the Christmas season thanks to the popularity of sections like "For Unto Us a Child Is Born," of which the choir gave a moving performance. They closed out the night with Handel's most famous work. As is tradition at ICSB, at the end of every Christmas concert, Mrs. Lingenhoel invited alumni of the choir in town for the holidays to join the current Upper School choir to sing the "Hallelujah" chorus. This year, a record number of alumni seemed to have taken the stage. The audience stood and sang with the newly enlarged choir. It was a moving sight to see, for all who are a part of the ICSB family. As a fun surprise, the Ensemble beautifully sang one more Christmas blessing over everyone present.
We are grateful to Mrs. Lingenhoel for the time she invests in her students, which not only helps them grow as musicians and as people but evidently keeps them coming back even after graduation.