Cheer for all to hear

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
The Crouch Auditorium is once again being filled with the sounds of Christmas as students from all three of Newcastle’s schools take the stage to spread holiday cheer through December. 
While the kindergarten through second grade students have already performed, residents still have
several opportunities to enjoy holiday favorites and some songs they may not know. 
“The kids and I were all very excited to be on the stage,” said Sarah Whipple, Newcastle Elementary School music teacher. “It was the first school concert for our kindergarten and first grade students, and there was a lot of excitement. We love sharing what we do in the classroom with parents and community members, and there is just something special about the holiday concerts that makes the holiday season feel complete.” 
Next to star on stage will be the third-, fourth- and fifth-graders on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m. During the program, each grade will sing three songs and the Treble Tones Children’s Choir will perform two pieces. 
“This ensemble included any fourth and fifth grade students who want to have more opportunities to sing more challenging music,” Whipple said. “We rehearse twice a week for about 10 minutes each time and learn two-part songs.” 
In addition to the concert, the children’s choir will be caroling along Main Street on Thursday, Dec. 16, to help spread Christmas cheer. 
The next group to perform will be the Newcastle Middle School band, conducted by Ryan Whipple, and choirs on Monday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. 
“The concert will begin with the sixth grade band, followed by the seventh and eighth grade band,” said Jan Ellis, Newcastle High School and Newcastle Middle School choir instructor. “The second half of the concert will include both the sixth grade choir and the combined seventh and eighth grade choir.” 
The following evening, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m., the band and choir from Newcastle High School will perform various holiday tunes. She noted that both evenings Delores Sylte will be accompanying the performance. 
“Starting off the evening will be the high school concert choir, followed by the high school band with their exciting versions of favorite carols,” Ellis said.
“Both concerts are free and open to the public, so we hope you can join us to hear the accomplishments of these wonderful musicians,” she said.