The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Christmas Is Music
The La Harpe Music Jr. and Sr. High Winter Concert was held last Wednesday evening (Dec. 13), under the direction of La Music Director Stephanie Mencel the band and choir came together to put on a very entertaining night of music.
The beginning band (5th grade) started out the evening with Merrily We Roll Along, Good King Wenceslas, and Jolly Old St. Nicholas.
Following was the Jr High Girls Chorus which sang three Christmas songs before the Senior High band took the stage. One of the selections they preformed was a twist to the old song Jolly Old St. Nicholas called Funky Ol' St. Nick.
The fifth grade music class sang the classic My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music.
Mr. Jack McKinnon joined the Jr. High Band as the narrator. The band played a collection of Christmas songs with The Night Before Christmas story being told between each selection putting a nice twist to the traditional musicals.
Ending the evening's concert was the Senior High Choir who also sang a variation to a Christmas Classic, The Twelve Days of Christmas called The Twelve Groovy Days of Christmas. It included things like platform shoes and disco balls. There were five gentlemen in the choir who sang God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen.
Their last song was By Candlelight and it was sung by beautiful candlelight. Many thought it was the end of the evening, but Mrs. Mencel announced one more special number, and Megan Poulter and Nikki Cecil beautifully sang a duet of the traditional Christmas favorite of Silent Night.
The concert was followed by a reception in the lobby organized by Mrs. Lynn Beaver.
On Friday afternoon, the Elementary Music Program was held with the theme Once On A Housetop. Two Kindergarten classes started the program with Sleigh Ride, Jingle Bells, and Up On The Roof Top-Hey You.
The first through fourth grades all sang Once On A Housetop which included speaking parts that told a story. Some of the children wore stocking caps and scarves to look like chimney sweeps. Classes then continued to sing individual songs and continued telling the story.
There was even a special appearance by Santa Claus, who had been stuck in the chimney, because it was so dirty. The sweeps had to help clean out all the junk so he could make his way down the chimney. The collections of songs told how different cultures celebrated Christmas and of the many different names it has been given.
Favorable comments were made on the wonderful job Mrs. Mencel has done again this year in putting together the Christmas Programs. Although La Harpe will not have their high school next year, many can't wait to see what is in store for the grade school's program next year.