Janet Stewart
The high school’s Vocal Ensemble performs at the tree lighting Dec. 2. The high school band also entertained the crowd by playing a variety of holiday songs.
Both the band and the choir participated in the traditional tree lighting ceremony Dec. 2, which is held each year to bring members of the community together.
Band Director Andy Johnson said that the reason the band participates in this event is to help serve the community.
“This is the fourth community service event the band has done this year,” Johnson said. “Along with the July 4 parade, Volley for the Cure and the Veterans Day parade.”
Senior and band president Molly Brenner said that the band enjoys the experience, adding that it is meaningful to her, because it is a community event.
“I think it’s a good tradition because it brings the community together, and the band really looks forward to it,” Brenner said.
The cookies and cocoa were good for 5- year old Grant Dehl, a kindergartener at Maryland Elementary who was glad to have hot chocolate in the cold.
“The cookies are really good, they even have sprinkles,” Dehl said. “I also like the hot chocolate, it’s cold out here and wet!”
Fourth grader Emily Grace from Montrose Elementary also had misgivings about the rain, but was impressed by the band.
“The band was awesome. I’m in strings at Montrose, and it’s really hard,” Grace said. “I wish I could be as good as they are.”
Brenner said that the band played six songs, a mix of Jewish melodies and Christmas carols.
Mary Auch, a new Bexley resident, said that the minute the band began to play, her daughter began to dance.
“She loves it. she always gets excited and starts dancing,” Auch said. “I’m so glad they played [‘Jingle Bells’].”
Auch added that the idea of the experience being an annual tradition is comforting.
“This is why we moved here,” Auch said. “We are excited for her to grow up with this tradition and this love for community.”
Sixth grader Carter Gadd from Maryland Elementary said that he liked it best when the choir sang Christmas carols.
“My favorite part was when they sang a Christmas carol in Chinese,” Gadd said.
While Gadd loved the choir, he hated the rain.
“I had fun up until it started raining, but now all I can think about is going home,” Gadd said.