It’s been a joy to witness the students’ progress and commitment to delivering a stellar performance. The hard work and dedication they put into their practices truly paid off on the big night.”

Hannah DeYoung, Elementary Music Director

The Stanley-Boyd Community was treated to a wonderful assortment of music at the Dec. 18 Middle and High School Christmas Concert. Concert attendees waited in lines that extended to the front entrance doors, but they weren’t disappointed as they soon found out the wait was worth it. The hard work of the students and skilled directors was evident as students, dressed in black and white, performed for family and community members. The evening began with a performance of ‘Procession of the Kings’ by the sixth-grade band under the direction of Devon Wenndt, Director of Bands at Stanley-Boyd for the last eight years.
Next, the seventh and eighth grade band delightfully performed the classic ‘Still, Still, Still’ and ‘Dreidel Adventure’ arranged by Scott Watson.
Directed by Middle and High School Choir Director Louella Derrico and accompanied on the piano by the talented Linda Downey, the Middle School Choir was up next performing ‘A-Caroling We Go!’ ‘Winter Lights,’ and they put everyone in a festive mood with ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’ by Johnny Marks. The High School Concert Band then presented, ‘Christmas Day’ and ‘Farandole.’ Wenndt introduced a crowd pleaser and a favorite of many, ‘Greensleeves’ as recorded by Mannheim Steamroller. He explained that the group takes popular Christmas tunes and puts an original spin on them. “We hope you enjoy it,” he concluded as he finished the description.
The High School Concert Choir sang, ‘Eatnemen Vuelie,’ a Silesian Folk Melody by Frode Fjellheim, ‘In the the Bleak Midwinter,’ and ‘White Winter Hymnal’ by Robin Pecknold. The lights were dimmed for the final song of the evening as the combined Middle School and High School Choir performed the Stanley-Boyd annual tradition of the classic, ‘Silent Night,’ by Franz Xaver Gruber.
Derrico was pleased with the evening’s performances and felt that the students always put on a great show.
“It is rewarding to watch their students’ hard work and effort come to life. It really is all the students. They are the ones putting in such hard work every day to make sure they put on the best performance possible,” she said. She explained that the middle school students began practicing their pieces for the Christmas concert in September while high school students didn’t begin their Christmas concert rehearsals until after their Fall Concert at the end of October. Derrico and Wenndt commented on the small amount of practice time that many of the students were afforded due to scheduling with some students getting as little as sixty minutes per week.
Derrico commented, “I am always impressed by these students’ perseverance and determination to learn the music, so they are prepared to perform.”
Both directors feel that it is important for schools to host yearly concerts for the community. Derrico said, “It allows the students to learn various musical styles, continuously improve their performance skills, and provides the community with entertainment.” She explained that having themed concerts, such as a Christmas concert, gives students an additional performance opportunity and allows them to sing tunes they might be familiar with, as well as learning new styles of music. She said that it provides them with a sense of community, especially during their final song, Silent night. “The candle lit performance is a special way for the Middle School and High School students to work together and perform a song,” she remarked.
On Dec. 19 concert attendees lined the walls of the high school gym as Stanley-Boyd School had standing room only for the Kindergarten through Fifth Grade Christmas Concert. The kindergarten through second grade portion of the evening began at 6:15 p.m. with students filing in wearing their holiday best with smiles and waves for their loved ones. The students warmed up the crowd as they all started the night off with ‘Jingle Bells’ by James Pierpont. The kindergarten classes continued the show singing their hearts out to ‘Gingerbread Cookies,’ ‘A Hat for My Snowman’ and ‘Christmas Makes Me Sing’ all by Teresa Jennings. First grade was up next sharing the holiday spirit as they sang, ‘Peppermint Candy Cane,’ ‘My Red Sled,’ and showing off their reindeer ears while singing ‘Dancer and Prancer’ by Teresa and Paul Jennings. The second-grade students sang ‘Listen to the Jingles,’ ‘Go in Peace,’ and showcased their talents when they began playing the kazoo to ‘Ring a Little Bell.’
As the third through fifth grade performances began at 7:30 p.m. friends and family crowded together to find a seat. The students began their portion of the night with, ‘Jingle Bell Rock.’ Directed by Wenndt, the fifth-grade band introduced the audience to their first ever performance with ‘First Holiday Concert’ by John O’Reilly. While the fifth-grade band returned to their seats, the fourth-grade students took out their recorders and performed ‘Joyful Carol’ by John Riggio. The third graders soon had the audience chuckling as they performed ‘A Perfect Winter Day’ and ‘If I were a Reindeer.’ But even Santa couldn’t stay away as he showed up for the third graders’ performance of ‘Santa, What a Guy,’ by Teresa and Paul Jennings. The fifth graders also showed off their talents on the recorders while performing ‘Jammin’ Old Saint Nick.’ Next up the fourth grade showed off their dance moves as they performed ‘Rock the Holly,’ ‘Old Fashioned Holiday,’ and boogied to ‘Blitzen Boogie’ both by Teresa and Paul Jennings. The fifth grade then sang ‘Rules for Christmas’ and impressed the audience by wishing the audience Merry Christmas in different languages while they sang ‘Christmas in Any Language’ by Teresa Jennings.
First year music director, Hannah DeYoung, who has been looking forward to the concert since the first day of school, should be proud as concert attendees were treated to a delightful evening. She shared, “It’s been a joy to witness the students’ progress and commitment to delivering a stellar performance. The hard work and dedication they put into their practices truly paid off on the big night.” DeYoung believes that hosting yearly concerts is important for students. “The tradition of Christmas Concerts in our school is essential for fostering a sense of community, spreading joy, and showcasing the artistic abilities of our students. It brings together families, teachers, and the community, creating lasting memories and instilling a love for the arts in our young performers.”
She remarked, “Seeing the students’ faces light up with pride and joy as they shared their talents with the audience was particularly heartwarming. Their passion for music and the holiday spirit was truly infectious.”
Commenting on the students, Wenndt said, “Tonight’s performance is not just a showcase of their musical talents but a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and the passion they’ve poured into every note they play.”
Elementary Principal Dean Lew graciously thanked those who attended, helped and contributed to the musical evening. The students each finished their concerts by wishing their friends and families a happy holiday as they sang, ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas.’