With Christmas around the corner, the annual Herrin High School Christmas Concert on Dec. 9 was performed by the high school and middle school Chorus and Band groups after months of practice, since late Oct. or early Nov., after the football season had ended.  HHS Band members performed “Adventum,” “Bucket Stomp,” “Christmas at the Movies,” “Pails and Comparison” and “Christmas Carol.”

The HHS band director, J.T. Lewis has been putting on this concert for 20 years. In an interview, when asked about his goals for this program, Mr. Lewis stated, “I hope the community sees what we do, and sees the value of music to the students in the school district…We try to have a concert of music performed by just the students at the end of every semester. It helps showcase the talents of all the students. It also gives their parents and the community a chance to see what we do in the music education world in the Herrin school district.”  

An anonymous Senior commented on the timing of the event, stating it was scheduled much sooner than in previous years. Students meet in class daily to practice.  

Senior and Drum Major Joshua Jones stated that he, as well as some others, met after school for additional help and practice before a big concert.  “My most anticipated song is one called “Adventum,” as it is the toughest song we are performing for this concert, and it is also the song which I have grown to like the most…I have felt that every previous performance went well, with every year I as a player have gotten better. I believe this year’s concert will go well with our three songs we are performing,” Jones said.

Overall, the band members felt very highly of their performance and looked forward to performing one last Christmas Concert. 

On his band prospects following graduation, Jones stated, “Band has always been a part of me and I would love to continue playing band when I go to college. But if I had the opportunity to come back and play at Herrin High School, I would. One of the aspects of the band I will miss the most is the director, Mr. Lewis. I can continue playing during college, but I will never have another band director like him.”

Senior and Drum major Sydney Atchison was asked about her anticipation for the event.  Atchison stated, “I have been in the band for 6 years. Honestly, it’s such a great environment. I am pretty nervous this year but I can never remember a high school concert going poorly.”

Every year, the band gains new members from Herrin Junior High School and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Mr. Lewis involves both HJHS and HHS band members. However, students coming in from OLMC have not experienced this annual concert. 

Freshman Elliott Polley, from OLMC, stated, “I was a little bit nervous because it was bigger than what I was used to, but it was a memorable experience…I feel that this performance was better only because the band is way bigger, and we practice every day as a class instead of on our own like we used to at OLMC.”

Before the band performance, Ms. Simmons, the Fine Arts Chorus teacher at HJHS and HHS, gathered her performers to sing “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear,” “That’s Christmas To Me,” and “The Christmas Waltz.” 

Ms. Simmons has been working within the district since 2007 and has been involved with the concert during those years. She said, “I think any time people are exposed to art it has the potential to make them think and feel. It helps our audience get into the Christmas spirit. Hearing familiar, well-loved tunes brings people a sense of nostalgia for Christmases past.  People also feel a sense of pride when they see their children perform.”

But she faced challenges with the Junior High students and their lack of a proper chorus class. HJHS students met during their lunch and recess time a few days a week, giving up their social time to practice. Ms. Simmons believes that those who do are very dedicated, even as a small group. However, performing in a large gym comes with its own challenges. HHS Chorus was given new microphones this year, assisting in helping the audience hear them more clearly. 

Microphones may assist, but Ms. Simmons stated, “Acoustically, gyms are terrible for performing music. The sound goes everywhere, and it is hard for the performers to hear each other, and it is hard for the audience to hear as well. If we had sound shells to put behind the performers it would make a world of difference, but these acoustical shells are very expensive.  Of course, if we had an auditorium, the audience could sit in comfort, and our sound problems would be solved.”

With the recent help from the Alumni Foundation, the Fine Arts Department at HHS was given a grant to better their departments. Perhaps in the future, the community would gather together and provide a few sound shells to enhance the Chorus performance further.

Lastly, Tiger Paws hosts their annual Christmas Program on Dec. 12 and 13. It’s been a staple of Tiger Paws since the 1990s. Mrs. George, the Tiger Paws teacher, says, “We put on a short and cute program for the parents where they can see their preschoolers perform some Christmas songs, make crafts, and even have a surprise visitor from a special guy who lives at the North Pole. A fun part about this tradition is that it creates a great memory for the families, children, and all of the teachers. I think it is fun to look back at Facebook posts people share from ‘Memories’ from Christmas parties of years past.”

This event deeply impacts the families of Herrin but more importantly, the kids. Branson Hill (12), who is a Student Teacher now, states, “I believe it does leave an impact, because I was in Tiger Paws and I even remember what it was like in the classroom.  So I know the kids carry some of what we teach after they leave.” The program allows the kids to sing to their families, show off what they create in class, and secretly meet Santa Claus. It is an opportunity for parents to see how creative their children are. 

However, any event is not without its challenges. Mrs. George states, “When organizing the Christmas program, the biggest stressor is ensuring that everyone is ready for their parts. It is led by the high school students and, for many, involves their first experience with public speaking. It is great to see the student teachers step out of their comfort zone and succeed at this important task.”

Mrs. George adapts and modifies the program each year, creating schedules that work best for all of her students. Mrs. George and her Student Teachers anticipate it each year and look forward to the next annual Valentine’s Party in February.

Christmas at HHS has kicked off strongly with more holiday festivities anticipated, amongst clubs and classes.