By Renae Brown 

   “Buh, bum!” went the drums while Cantamus and Bel Canto sang “Feliz Navidad!” at the winter extracurricular concert on Dec. 1.  

   The orchestra, also known as Sinfonia, opened the extracurricular performances and played five pieces: “Integrity,” “Saraband,” “Here We Come A-Wassailing,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “The Keel Row.” 

   Throughout the first semester of Sinfonia, the eight-member orchestra stretched its limits in the realms of timing, speed and balance, especially with songs such as “Saraband” and “The Keel Row.” 

   Bel Canto, the middle-school choir, performed “Happy,” “Life’s a Happy Song” and “Gloria.” 

   Bel Canto has grown since last year, with 17 singers outnumbering last year’s 13. Even though some singers were new to the process, the choir grew in confidence and even tackled the many speaking and timing challenges that come with “Life’s a Happy Song”.

   “Our strengths were our strong voices,” said Hannah Turley, a freshman singer who, along with the rest of the high-school choir, sang “If,” “Bashana” and “Jubilate Deo.” 

   After overcoming some initial quietness and shyness, the sound of the choir improved as its members developed their confidence. 

   Together, both Bel Canto and Cantamus sang “Feliz Navidad” and “Always a Place for You.” 

   Richie Russel, a local high school student, assisted the choirs on drums for the songs “Happy” and “Feliz Navidad.” The audience enjoyed the spectacle, even clapping along to the music. Hannah Turley said, “Having another instrument … really just adds something to the music.” 

   Festivities were in the air due to the various holiday songs, not to mention Santa Claus, who made an appearance at the end.