Carlmont Choir held its seventh annual Holiday Sing-Along in an effort to promote holiday cheer with a free community event. The Carlmont auditorium was filled with students dressed as elves whose costumes and songs attracted hundreds of kids.
Each year, choir students have the opportunity to try out for one of the coveted elves in the Sing-Along. Before auditions, many students came up with a festive name and story, all to make the afternoon as magical as possible.
Mira Wakefield, a sophomore, auditioned for her role of Emmy The Elf, and after getting cast, she was excited for the event to start. A long-time choir singer herself, she loved the opportunity to sing something a little more light-hearted.
“This is a wonderful event and a great way to give back to the community, get into that holiday spirit, and also have some fun with it,” Wakefield said.
The Sing-Along, known for being less conventional then other choral performances, allowed audience members to dance in the aisles to the music. Although the show was catering to young children, parents and adults found themselves dancing and singing along.
Cindy Lynch, the mother to kindergartener Adrian Lynch, brought her son to the Sing-Along after having gone the year before. Lynch believed the show was influential for her son, with its ability to have him connect with older students.
“It’s cute to see the little ones interacting with the high school students. Having them all dressed up is just wonderful,” Lynch said.
A comfortable environment was created for the children who came to the event.
“There were a bunch of children who arrived very shy and then really came out of their shells, which was fun to watch. The event has a noticeable impact on the kids who attend and how they speak with others,” said Katie Mannion, a senior and a choir president.
Wakefield knows that most high schoolers may be apprehensive about jumping on stage and making fun of themselves; however, she sees it as a learning experience.
“School can often be stressful, but seeing the faces of young children light up and be merry, it takes away any embarrassment in the job,” Wakefield said.
The event has inspired many to take on the role of elves and to create a community of holiday cheer. Choir students have taken pride in this afternoon event and encourage more to visit in the future.
“At this event, students can interact with adults and kids to strengthen our relationships with the greater community, all while singing and starting off the Holiday season,” Mannion said.
