Jazz Choir gives heartfelt performance at Davis Tree Lighting
Bluedevilhub.com Staff–
Yesterday, Dec. 5, marked the 32nd anniversary of the annual Christmas tradition, the Davis Christmas Tree lighting. The ceremony took place in the E street plaza and featured performances from the Davis High Jazz Choir and Madrigals, as well as warm drinks and snacks donated by Whole Foods and sold by the DHS cheerleaders.
The local double decker bus started out the evening’s parade, leading a fire truck, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and the UC Davis marching band through a crowd of enthusiastic parents touting 6 year olds in puffy jackets on their shoulders.
The Jazz Choir began their concert at 6:30 p.m., and sang two a cappella renditions of classic holiday songs: Charlie Brown’s Linus and Lucy and Carol of the Bells. The contrast between the men’s bass line and women’s bright melody created a warm holiday glow throughout the square, and set up the atmosphere to light the Christmas tree in the middle of the plaza.
“I just enjoy singing overall, and the winter holiday songs are always fun; I really just liked being on stage and singing,” sophomore Connor Thompson said.
This is Thompson’s first year in Jazz Choir.
This was the choir’s first performance of the school year, apart from their show at the Davis Performing Arts Center earlier this year.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how they’re coming together as a group,” choir member Noah Papheni’s mom, Lisa Papheni said.
After the Jazz Choir finished their two rehearsed songs, they were joined on stage by the Mayor and other members of the Davis City Council, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, who aided the group in singing Jingle Bells and Frosty the snowman, and encouraged members of the onlooking crowd to join in. The local politicians appearance was a surprise both to the crowd and the choir.
Senior choir member Dustin Choi said that the addition of more people in their caroling made the evening more memorable and impassioned.
“Personally, I love performing, but to be able to sing these holiday songs with more people is very heartwarming,” said Dustin Choi.
