Prelude performances captured the audience of grandparents, parents, siblings and other honorary guests (aunts and uncles undoubtedly). A collection of talented young singers & musicians dazzled us. There were piano pieces of Handel, George Winston, and Beethoven intertwined with vocal solos of Christmas classics. Sweet singing of “Away in the Manger” steals your heart coming from a 4 yr. old. Lately, we have witnessed adults singing “America the Beautiful”, but the voice of a young singer that night added a powerful message to a familiar tune.

Such great star-studded performances from all soloists with names like Anna, Halle, Nick, Olivia, Leah and Brianna. Extra touches included violin, flute, clarinet and horn solos. All reminding us how the early learning of a love for music and the sharing of it is a gift in itself. A particularly impressive young artist, with a red poodle-like flared skirt, gave a Fred Astaire-broadway style rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock” that nearly took the house down! Each child took to the microphone with total confidence. It was fun to imagine how they contemplated and practiced to ready themselves.

In a cooperative effort the children took to the stage to act out the story of The Country Angel. They dressed in black with soft silk colored wings flowing as they moved. The group was divided into Country Angels and City Angels. The country angels living a slower pace.... more heart of the earth type life..doing things by hand in a more time consuming world. The City Angels living a faster pace life with rushing elements such as in computer use, transportation to work, eating habits, even brushing their teeth.

The angels did mime interpretation of these City/Country images in a cherub performance. The stage roared with the stamping of their feet while demonstrating their lifestyles. They danced across the stage and delighted in the play’s appearance of Saint Nicholas(alias George Horner). Their faces lit up through the beauty of the story and listening to the mystery of Christmas.

Each scene created many delightful moments. The audience smothered the children with a standing ovation for one the most endearing events of the season,

Peg LaSota is interested in the biographies of parishioners... any suggestions?? She also loves studying piano, recorder, Spanish, and of course...singing in the choir!

one that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas for all who attended. If you missed this, pay close attention to not miss next year’s performance. I would give this one : .