SVES students wish families a Merry Christmas

SWAN VALLEY - The entirety of the Swan Valley Elementary school performed traditional Christmas carols in the school gym, Dec. 13. Led by Junior High Teacher Colleen Harrington and PE/Preschool Teacher Danni Parcell, the students sang and shared their cheer through their instruments and voices.

This year was a bit different from past winter performances. In the previous years, the students were directed by a music teacher and were able to have an instrumental band followed by a holiday themed play.

This year, like many other schools in the state of Montana, SVES lacked a music teacher. This position has not been filled, but Harrington was determined to bring the children together and perform a winter concert for families and friends.

After weeks of practice, the students of SVES were able to perform Christmas carols including "Silent Night" and "Twelve Days of Christmas." The audience was even delighted with piano duets "Jingle Bell Rock," performed by Aubrey Matthew and Darby Gleason, "Heart and Soul" performed by Aubrey Matthew and Kyla Conley, and "Believer" performed by Sam Hughes and Connor Matthew. Jalen Kauffman presented "I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas" with his French horn, as well.

Students decided what songs to sing and performed them with their classes, and chose dances to accompany the carols. Jayla Kauffman opened the concert with the National Anthem, followed by the preschoolers to begin the caroling. The third through eighth graders joined for the last song singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

The students also worked hard in setting up the stage, chairs and decorations in the gym.

"They really rose to the challenge," says Harrington. "I'm very pleased with how well they did tonight."

Parcell and Harrington wanted to thank the staff members of the school for their support and help with the students, as well as the concert's piano accompanist Sharon MacQuarrie. They wished everyone a Happy Holiday.