For the students of WHS choir, the holiday season means more than just festive decorations and time off from school. It’s also an opportunity to showcase their hard work and dedication through their annual festive concert.
As rehearsals intensify in the days leading up to the concert, the students are not just singing holiday classics. They’re adding choreography, perfecting harmonies and creating memorable performances for their friends, families and the broader WHS community. With practices scheduled Dec. 2–4, the choir’s energy and commitment are palpable.
“We do rehearsals after school for two and a half hours every day [the week before the concert] — except for Tuesday — and in class,” said Julian Tognacci ‘26 an honors choir member.
For many choir members, this is their first time adding dance to a performance. What initially seemed like a daunting challenge for some has transformed into an exciting and bonding element of the show and an opportunity for bonding.
“I’m excited for all of [the show],” said Tognacci. “I think it’s really fun, [especially] the dances. I didn’t think I would be good at dancing or [that] I would like it, but [choir] makes it fun.”
The choir also traveled to Idyllwild Pines, a local campsite, where they spent several days immersed in rehearsals. This retreat, a longstanding tradition for the group, allows students to bond within their choirs while focusing on perfecting their craft.
“We went to Idyllwild Pines — our trip to the mountains — where we learned all of our choreography and practiced all of our dances and music for hours and hours for three days straight, and every day at class,” said Kayla McLaughlin, ‘25 choir department president and head choreographer.
The show will contain 20 songs with the first half focusing on classical variations and the second half including dancing and cheerful songs, with students from all choirs preforming solos.
“We’re doing 20 songs total,” said McLaughlin. “The first half of the show is classical songs and standing in [formal black attire]. The second half of the show is full show choir dancing, with nonstop movement and more upbeat songs.”
In WHS choir, students’ participation in performances and roles within the group often depends on their grade level. Freshmen typically start in entry–level choirs where they are limited in their involvement, whereas upperclassmen get to participate in more of the show.
“I’ve moved up in different choirs, so it has become more work as the years have gone on,” said publicity manager Jonathan Dier ‘25. “The first year, [I was] not really in much stuff, but then my sophomore year, I joined a higher–level choir so I did more songs. Last year and this year [have been the] most [that I’ve participated] as I’m in the majority of the show.”
The WHS Choir’s winter concert will take place at the school auditorium on Dec. 4–7 at 5 p.m. Tickets start at $6 for students and can be purchased on the WHS choir website. All proceeds will fund the choir’s future performances and trips. Come out to enjoy a festive evening of music and dance, and support the students who have worked tirelessly to make this holiday celebration one to remember.
“I hope the audience gets joy because it’s holiday, festive, upbeat songs and we just want to put a smile on their faces,” said McLaughlin. “I hope the audience has a good time.”
