We were two little girls when my sister and I were coached by my mother to perform at her annual lodge Christmas potluck and program. I had memorized a couple of lines to say and my sister got into a box wrapped as a present. At the right word in my little poem, she jumped out of the box. SURPRISE!
I'm not sure Christmas programs or concerts have changed much since the 50's. It is the season to watch little children sing and bands and orchestras play a variety of all the Christmas music that is out there.
In the last week we have attended five concerts. It started out with our grandson Carter's first grade program. All the children were dressed in their pajamas and they sang their hearts out. The songs seemed complicated to me, but most of the children knew all the words. Of course programs with young children can never go perfectly. There was one little boy who was holding a stuffed animal and then he had the animal on his head. When the music teacher saw that, she wandered over in front of him and gave him a word.
![]() |
Above: Hart first and second graders perform at their Christmas program. Below: Close up of Carter (blond boy) and his classmates acting out their song in pajamas.
|

The holiday concerts we attended this season were put on by the West Michigan Symphony, the Hart Music Series and the Hart Bands. We listened to our grandson Jay play his saxophone in the sixth grade band. Both the high school band and the West Michigan Symphony played the yearly classic, Sleigh Ride.
Sleigh Ride can be delightful if everyone is going at the same tempo. But if they are not....Katie bar the door. The slapping of the reigns must be off rhythm and the neigh of the horse has to be right on cue. I remember playing that song when I was in band and it never came off perfectly. I imagine many band directors have their students play it just because it is a tradition. For the audience it can be a source of amusement. The Hart High School Band pulled it off although one of their drummers was trying to slow it down. The symphony is expected to play it well, so no surprises there.

Coming out of the church where the young string players performed was a time to look at the Christmas lights. Since we are headed for a white Christmas, the decorations seem more intense this year and bring back memories of the Christmases of old when we always seemed to have snow. The music adds to the beauty and children performing is the best thing of all.
I am taking time to listen to the sounds of the season and enjoy the simple scenes.
Scenes of the Season

Sounds of the Season
Music
Sleigh Ride - Boston Pops
Carol of the Bells - Boston Pops
Little Drummer Boy - Pentatonix
Photos 3, 5 & 12 taken by Hack Ramseyer
No comments:
Post a Comment