By Ashley Whyte
GORE BAY—It may be that preparations take place all year long at the North Pole for a single event-filled evening, but C.C. Mclean Public School’s Christmas concert last Wednesday suggests that the students have also been working overtime.
The concert opened with a beautiful acappella version of Canada’s oldest Christmas song, ‘Huron Carol,’ which is a Canadian Christmas hymn originally written in the Native language of the Huron/Wendat people by Jean de Brebeuf during the 1600s. The melody of the song is based on a traditional French folk song, ‘Une Jeune Pucelle’ (‘A Young Maid’) and eventually it was translated into English in the 1900s. The song was performed by the C.C. McLean singers and was accompanied by a drum.
‘The Christmas Crossword’ was the first act in the show, performed by a group of Grade 7 and 8 students. Combining a collection of traditional Christmas carols, dance compilations and a theatrical skit full of funny humour, it was certainly worth the applause it was met with.
PHOTOS BY ASHLEY WHYTE
The next act was performed by a group of S.K. and Grade 1 students, who appeared so small on stage that you might have leaned closer to listen. However, when the acoustic guitar that accompanied them began playing, little voices carried across the gym, brightly singing ‘I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.’
The E.L.K. class put on two stunning performances, starting with ‘Must be Santa’ and finishing with a lively presentation of the old classic ‘Jingle Bells.’
The fourth act was an impressive feat on behalf of Grade 5 and 6 students performing ‘Jolly Old St. Nicholas’ and ‘Jingle Bells’ on their recorders.
Intermission took place before the second half of the concert, giving attendees a last chance to participate in the silent auction fundraiser and the opportunity to take home a delicious baked treat.
Seats quickly filled again just before the opening of the second half, with Grade 4 and 5 students readying themselves on stage for their exceptional performance of ‘Silver Bells.’
The sixth act was full of hustling and bustling as Grade 3 students put on ‘Santa’s Christmas Dance Mash Up,’ which included various styles of dance and genres of music.
‘All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth’ was an endearing presentation by Grade 2 students, as well as ‘The Nutcracker Clap,’ which featured red and green plates for cymbals.
The final performance was by Grade 6 and 7 students, singing a comical story about a man made out of snow called ‘Snowman’ that brought the show to a whimsical close.
It is without doubt that this year’s Christmas concert has been a true example of the community spirit that continues to thrive, even in our youngest generations, and helps serve as an example of what the Christmas season is all about.
