Sounds of the holidays filled the gymnasium during the popular Dolores Elementary Christmas Concert Tuesday.
An estimated 800 people attended the event, which featured songs by each grade during the two-hour concert. The event closed with a standing ovation and audience singalong to “The First Noel.”
Music teacher Amy Bean said it was the 14th year of the concert, and the students have been practicing since October.
“The kids really enjoy it and have worked hard to learn all the songs,” she said. “It is a big draw for the community.”
Students were dressed up and beaming as they sang to the attentive audience of family, friends and residents. They traded off playing the xylophone, tambourines and bells, and Bean played piano.
“It makes the kids feel special, and they put a lot of practice into it,” said Donna Bowling, whose great-grandson, Taylor, performed with the second-grade group. “We all look forward to it every year, and they put on a good program.”
The concert was a mix of religious and secular songs and included many classics. The songs became more complex as older students took the stage.
“Everybody does an amazing job,” said elementary Principal Gary Livick. “The entire town attends, and every year it is standing room only.”
The set list of 29 songs included “Away in the Manger,” “Peppermint Candy Cane,” “The Magic of Hanukkah,” “Christmas Bells Ringing,” “When the Holidays Come,” “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” “Zumba Zumba” and “Chubby Little Snowman.”
