WVHS choral program wraps up 2025 Winter Concert Series

The final conert of the 2025 Winter Concert Series was on Wednesday night, as the Warwick Valley High School choral program presented its Home for the Holidays concert! 

The evening included performances by seven choral ensembles: the Meistersingers, the Mr. Singers, the Bel Canto choir, the Nova Voce choir, the Jazz Choir, the Jazzy Pitches, and the Mixed Choir. You can use this link to view/download a copy of the concert program, which includes this welcome message from the WVHS choral director, Noreen Hanson.

Welcome, friends and families.

There is a special kind of magic that fills the air this time of year — the gentle hush before a familiar carol, the warm glow of lights reflected in smiling faces, and the way a single melody can make everyone lean in together. Tonight, our choirs invite you to step into that feeling: moments of quiet joy, bright celebration, and the sweet comfort of traditions both old and newly made.

Nostalgic holiday variety programs, like classic Christmas specials, tap into shared memories, family traditions, and the timeless comforts of togetherness, joy, and light over darkness. They remind us of simpler moments and create a sense of security and emotional connection that brings back cherished childhood feelings — the very spirit we hope to capture in tonight’s program.

We hope our "Home for the Holidays" concert brings you laughs, smiles, and that warm, cozy feeling so synonymous with the season. Our students have worked tirelessly to bring you these pieces: rehearsing with dedication, supporting one another through long afternoons, and giving their best to each phrase. Their commitment and care are what make this evening possible.

No matter which holiday you observe, we hope this concert brings you warmth, a little nostalgia, and time with the people who matter most. May the music spark a smile, awaken a fond memory, or inspire a new one to carry with you.

Thank you for joining us and for supporting the arts in our school. Enjoy the concert.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Noreen Hanson

The high school's top voacl group, the Meistersingers, opened the program with a fun arrangemengt of the Christmas classic, Jingle Bells (arr. Ray), and followed that with Ola Gjello's Wintertide.

Next, the Mixed Choir presented three songs: Tarakita by Reena Esmail, the seasonal chestnut I’ll Be Home For Christmas (arr. Kent), and Address to the Moon by John Purifoy.

They were followed by the Jazz Choir, which opened with a performance of a Roger Emerson arrangement of Don’t Worry About a Thing. They followed that up with a unique Podd Brothers arrangement of O Christmas Tree, which snuck in a few familiar holiday themes. 

The Nova Voce choir took the stage next and sang Glow, by Eric Whitacre, and Song for the Mira by Stuart Calvert. 

The Jazzy Pitches performed a Kirby Shaw arrangement of White Christmas, and followed that up with Christmas Dreaming, arranged by Kevin Shen. 

The all-male Mr. Singers then gave a fun performance of Viva Lamour (arr. Parker/Shaw), followed by three songs by the Bel Canto choir: La Lluvia (Hatfield), Song of Miriam (Hagenberg), and Poor Wayfaring Stranger (arr.Rodgers).

The penultimate segment of the evening featured the combined Bel Canto and Nova Voce choirs and the Meistersingers performing the holiday medleys they arranged for this year's Radio City Music Hall performance. The musicians travelled to NYC on November 25 to perform at the hallowed venue, and you can read that story and watch video here.

The Meistersingers stayed on stage to close out the evening with two final pieces. They performed Feed the Birds by Jamey Ray, and Undine S. Moore's Daniel, Servant of the Lord. 

Ms. Hanson and her student vocalists send their heartfelt gratitude to every parent and guardian for their support, as well as district and high school administration. Thank you to everyone in the WVHS performing and visual arts departments, as well as Dan Cecconie and the students in hiw Video Production program for capturing the evening's performances. And last but not least, the WVHS light and sound crew and the members of the WVHS custodial team, for making sure the auditorium atmosphere was at its festive finest.