By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— The sounds of holiday music filled Pelham High School’s gymnasium as several groups performed in a holiday concert Dec. 6.

“These kids have worked very hard, through marching band season and the fall, to prepare this for you,” said director of bands Justin P. Ward.

Normally the band performances are during the week in the school’s theatre, but the current renovations allowed the concert to take place in the newly renovated gym.

Although having the performance on a Sunday afternoon is out of the ordinary, Ward was in good spirits, saying it may become a new tradition.

The performance kicked off with the Pelham Symphonic Band’s rendition of “Ukrainian Bell Carol,” a tune that resembled the high-energy music of the Trans Siberian Orchestra.

The group also performed “Café 512” by Ryan George and “We Need a Little Christmas.” Freshman clarinet player Stephanie Garcia played a solo during the song “Café 512.”

During the symphonic band’s portion of the concert, a small group of flutists performed “What Child is This?” Ward explained that this was a chamber group, a student-led performance ensemble that meets outside of classes to practice.

“We hope this is the start of many small groups to perform for you,” he said. “They did all that on their own, (and) rehearsed outside (of classes). So, wonderful job ladies.”

Pelham’s Jazz Ensemble was next to perform. Ward said this particular group has been busy lately. They performed for thousands of guests at the Pelham Christmas tree lighting ceremony and they also played for the students at Valley Intermediate and Valley Elementary schools Dec. 4.

The group performed the holiday medley “Big Band Holiday,” featuring soloists Max Hall on the saxophone and Aaron Wilkes on trombone. They also performed “The Christmas Song,” “September” and “All I Want for Christmas is You.”

Drew Mercer played a solo in “All I Want for Christmas is You” on his trumpet.

Finally, the Pelham Wind Ensemble performed four numbers. They performed “Danse Diabolique,” “Carol of the Night,” “Second Suite in F” and “A Celtic Carol.”

After the performance, the players and their families enjoyed a dinner catered by Olive Garden.