The Hamilton High School A Cappella Choir brought the spirit of the season to students across the entire Hamilton School District on December 19, visiting all elementary schools, Silver Spring Intermediate School and Templeton Middle School ahead of winter break.
Choir members performed a mix of traditional holiday favorites and seasonal songs, delighting students and staff. The visits are designed to strengthen connections across the district’s schools and provide a wonderful reminder of how music can build community, especially during the holiday season.
What I enjoy the most is getting to see all of the elementary kids, but also the young minds that could be the future of our programs,” explains Hamilton High School Junior Emily Muehlenbach. “We love bringing light to other people’s lives and continuing to grow their love for music!”
“What I enjoy most about performing for younger students is seeing their faces in awe of us as role models for them,” shares Hamilton High School Senior Keelena Kendrick. “I hope they remember that when you’re older, you have so many opportunities and all you have to do is set your mind to them.”
The performances also give younger students a glimpse of the Hamilton High School music program, inspiring many to consider joining choir in the future. Caroling is one of several events scheduled throughout the school year to promote The Hamilton Arts in Community Education (HACE) program, which aims to create a sense of community through the performing arts, providing students of all ages opportunities to experience musical and theatrical performances. Hamilton School District music teachers developed HACE to give students authentic experiences to celebrate and appreciate all that the arts have to offer.
Hamilton High School Sophomore Robert Schmidt says he enjoys visiting the younger music students. “They look up to us and want to be us,” Schmidt explains. “These kinds of things are what wake me up in the morning, knowing that I can make a change for the good and have a positive impact on the choir community.”
“It’s really fun to see their reactions when we sing our songs and seeing all of the kids happy just makes my day so much better,” says Hamilton High School Senior McKenna Beaulieu. “I hope the younger students remember us as a little family that they could potentially be a part of in the future!”
Muehlenbach remembers looking up to the older students when she was younger. “I want these students to know that high school comes quickly, so don’t take any day in your younger years for granted,” she adds. “Once you get to high school, join choir, show choir, all of the things. Choir builds a family and I hope the younger students know that when they see us all sing together and work as a unit, it inspires them to be kind every day to one another.”