Service: 10 Hours
On the sixth of December, all of the students of ACE (Advanced Choral Ensemble) were excused from classes. We went around the entire community in the Valley area and spent the whole day caroling to local elementary schools and nursing homes.
On the sixth of December, all of the students of ACE (Advanced Choral Ensemble) were excused from classes. We went around the entire community in the Valley area and spent the whole day caroling to local elementary schools and nursing homes.
This is absolute favorite activity in choir. I remember the same time last year when I first experienced singing songs to the elderly in homes. We sang from the crack of dawn to hours after the sun set. This year's caroling tour was a bit more rushed and cramped because of budget cuts, but it was still an amazing experience nonetheless.
As we went around the elementary schools, kids were, surprisingly, delighted with many of our more "mature" pieces. In fact, many of them are members of their local music programs. When we performed our "Nightmare Before Christmas" medley, their enthusiasm energized us for the rest of the day.
The elderly was, however, the significance of the tour. As we went to the familiar homes, a woman told us that it was her seventh year watching us and that she looks forward to our singing each year. Singing to these people is a really emotional experience. As we sing lyrics about looking through dark times and finding hope, we could actually see the memories that we invoke in our audience. Seeing the elderly cry is heart-breaking, but yet gratifying to know that we are bringing the spirit of Christmas to these people who are so isolated from their families.
The tour was extremely exhausting and after eleven concerts and ten different locations, we were all ready to relax. The experience was absolutely amazing and one of the reasons that I am proud of being in the choir. Going around and singing in the homes is probably what keeps me singing.
As we went around the elementary schools, kids were, surprisingly, delighted with many of our more "mature" pieces. In fact, many of them are members of their local music programs. When we performed our "Nightmare Before Christmas" medley, their enthusiasm energized us for the rest of the day.
The elderly was, however, the significance of the tour. As we went to the familiar homes, a woman told us that it was her seventh year watching us and that she looks forward to our singing each year. Singing to these people is a really emotional experience. As we sing lyrics about looking through dark times and finding hope, we could actually see the memories that we invoke in our audience. Seeing the elderly cry is heart-breaking, but yet gratifying to know that we are bringing the spirit of Christmas to these people who are so isolated from their families.
The tour was extremely exhausting and after eleven concerts and ten different locations, we were all ready to relax. The experience was absolutely amazing and one of the reasons that I am proud of being in the choir. Going around and singing in the homes is probably what keeps me singing.