Chorus Attends Green Gables' Christmas Tree Lighting By Audrey Baudek
Mel High’s Chamber Choir kicked off their holiday season by singing at the Green Gables Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on December 1st. This was the first time the chamber choir was invited to this tree-lighting event, but the students considered it a huge success and a lot of fun. “We performed Carol of the Bells, Sleigh Ride, our three Candlelight processional songs, Rejoice With Exceeding Great Joy, and then we sang Oh, Christmas Tree while they actually lit the tree,” said senior Maddie Kelly. Kelly felt like this event was a great, new opportunity for their choir, and enjoyed getting to perform for her family and the community. “I signed up to do this gig because I’ve always loved Christmas time and seeing families together all happy, and I just really wanted to be with my friends singing Christmas songs for my family and other families,” said Kelly.
Aside from singing, the students also received the privilege of getting a private tour of the house. The group along with their teacher, Mrs. Natalie Taylor, and a few parents got to walk through the first floor of the house and witness the Green Gables home decorated for Christmas. “Getting to tour one of the oldest houses in Brevard County was such an enlightening experience,” said senior Julian Vazquez. “I love singing with my friends and contributing as much as I can to the choir and the events we do, but it was like we also got a mini history lesson and saw all of the pretty decorations and furniture inside the house,” said Vazquez. Vazquez and Kelly were both amazed by the home, which was originally built in 1896. “Seeing the house all decorated for Christmas really brought me back to having Christmas at my grandparents' house when I was little,” said Kelly.
Overall, the choir felt the performance went well and hoped to come and sing again next year. “Despite the traffic in the background making it hard to hear each other and hear the music, we sounded pretty good and I think we did really well,” said junior Madison Falcone. “I would definitely do this gig again, and I hope we get to come back and sing for it next year. I enjoyed seeing all of the people there and the joy on everyone’s faces. This gig was such a great opportunity for us to spread some Christmas cheer,” said Falcone. Vazquez also hoped the chamber choir would be able to sing at this event next year, despite being a senior. “I won’t be able to sing in it if the choir gets to go again next year, but I know it’s really good exposure for us, and it was such a good time,” said Vazquez.