M’CHIGEENG—If those who attended the Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) annual Christmas concert entered the school without being in the Christmas spirit on December 5, this should definitely not have been the case by the time they left.
The concert, which featured MSS musical entertainers, also featured performances from Charles C. McLean Public School (Gore Bay) and Central Manitoulin Public School (Mindemoya).
“We would like to welcome all of you here this evening,” stated Jamie Mohamed, principal of MSS, at the opening of the concert. “This is a wonderful opportunity to gather during this Christmas season and to enjoy and share in the music of our accomplished vocalists and musicians. There is a lot of talented musicians here tonight and they are all eager to entertain you.”
After the MSS band and choir played O’Canada, MSS musical director Chris Theijsmeijer told the gathering, “we are really happy to have all of you here tonight.” He bade a special welcome and thank you to the CMPS and C.C. McLean musical performers for being on hand.
The MSS senior band, made up of students from various grades, performed ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ and ‘Troika.’
Then the elementary schools took over for a couple of numbers. The C.C. McLean Cold Colts, under the direction of Ray Scott (with Grade 4/5 singers and Grade 6-8 band members), presented ‘Frosty Cold in Winta.’
The CMPS Music Maker Group, led by director Ann-Marie Scott, performed ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town.’
The MSS Vocal Group, lead by director Mr. Theijsmeijer, then presented a change of pace—an Ed Sheeran piece, ‘What Do I Know?’ and traditional Christmas songs ‘Silent Night’ and ‘March of the Christmas Children.’
The MSS Grade 9 band performed ‘Nighthawk’ and ‘Jingle Bells.’
The MSS senior music class took over for a few songs, including ‘The Eagle Song,’ and Christmas favourites ‘Frosty the Snowman’ and ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.’
The MSS combined bands and choirs then sang, along with many in the crowd, ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas.’
Mr. Theijsmeijer gave special thanks to all the volunteers who had helped put on the evening, the students themselves, and the parents for all their support of their children and the schools’ music programs.
As well, acknowledgement was made for the generous support MSS receives from the Joan Mantle Music Trust and Manitoulin Transport. With their help, the school is able to continue to provide high-quality musical education such as modern instruments, enriching its musical programming tremendously for Manitoulin Island students.
