Watauga Choir singing festive songs for the event.
The Christmas season is widely observed by the Town of Boone. Downtown appears to be the epicenter of Christmas joy, with light-up snowflakes glowing up and down King Street, Christmas parades, and, of course, the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at the Jones house. On the Jones House porch, the Watauga Choir Department performed several Christmas songs.
Every December, a celebration is held at the Jones house, where local friends and families gather to watch the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. The event had an array of festive activities to kick off the holiday season. Organizers arranged a horse-drawn carriage ride, a visit with Santa at Mast General Store, a snowball fight, food trucks, free hot chocolate and apple cider, and many other cheerful activities.
“I think this helps bring the community together as a whole, because it is a fun-filled time, with food, music, laughter, and family. Everyone spreads the joy of the holiday season, right in the middle of town,” said Ezekiel Walker, a sophomore in Watauga’s choir.
The WHS choir has been performing at the tree lighting for a few years now, singing a selection of classic Christmas songs each year. Mr. Lancaster, who is new to teaching the Watauga choir this year, led the singers to success.
“As a choir, we want to be heavily involved in the functions of the town. So not only is this great exposure for our choral program but it also gives us another opportunity to partner with organizations such as the Town of Boone," said Mr. Lancaster. "Singing in another venue outside of the classroom, although bringing its own challenges, is always a great moment to be better as a choir."
Engagement in events like these with the choir is what brings our community together. For performances like this, the WHS choir practices thoroughly, allowing everyone an opportunity to listen and appreciate the sounds of the Christmas season beginning.
“Being on the performance end of things is something that I always enjoy, but when I can help spread the joy that is felt around the holidays, that lifts my spirits even more,” Walker said. “It warms my heart when I hear people coming up to me, saying how much they loved our performance. It inspires me to keep going.”
Commentaires