The North Habersham Middle School Chorus, with nearly 100 students performing, delighted more than 200 family members and friends with a talented performance Thursday night, officially marking the start of the holiday season.
The concert took place in the Habersham Central High School Performing Arts Center, showcasing the talent and hard work of the school’s chorus students.
Directed by Sarah Glover, with Donna James providing accompaniment on the piano, the performance titled America! with a Touch of Holiday Cheer was an impressive display of the students’ musical abilities.
Musical groups
The evening’s program was divided into four sections. Each grade level performed two songs, followed by a grand finale that brought all the students together.
The sixth-grade chorus kicked off the performance with lively renditions of “Fifty States in Rhyme” and “Beautiful December.” Their energy and enthusiasm set the tone for the evening.
The seventh-grade students followed, singing “Battle Above the Clouds,” accompanied by violinists Hunter and Heather Strachan. They also performed the festive “St. Nick at Night,” delighting the audience with their vocal talents.
The eighth-grade students delivered an emotionally charged performance of “In Flanders Fields,” accompanied by cellist Naomi Woodbury. Their second song, “White Winter Hymnal,” was enhanced by a group performing hand percussion, as well as a small vocal ensemble, creating a magical and harmonious atmosphere.
After the eighth-grade performance, all grade levels came together for a powerful rendition of “Armed Forces—The Pride of America,” a tribute to veterans that the students had performed on Veterans Day.
Finale
The evening concluded with a festive twist as the chorus students performed the playful “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” featuring seventh-grade student Jaysee Chambers as the Grinch. Soloists Noah Barron and Jaycee McCollum added their voices to the whimsical holiday favorite.
Chorus Director Sarah Glover expressed her pride in the students’ hard work and dedication. “They came here and worked really hard and pulled it together, and I’m really, really proud of them,” she said. “They really did a good job.”
The students began rehearsing for the concert in August when school resumed after summer break. A couple of songs were introduced just a couple of months ago. The months of preparation paid off. The chorus students demonstrated their growth and talent, leaving the audience full of holiday cheer.
