Thank you for the Valley Christmas Concert

by Myrna Cox

On Saturday, December 5, the annual Valley High School Christmas program was presented in the old gym by student musicians from grades sixth through 12th, taught and conducted by Maestro Robert Lacey. The sixth through eighth graders displayed their prowess in Suzuki Method violin with specialty numbers Jingle Bells, (I''''m Gettin'''') Nuttin'''' for Christmas, Holly and the Ivy and Rejoice East, Rejoice East. The four girl/four boy masked and black robed high school choir performed Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, A La Nanita Nana and Jingle Bells. Then the various sizes string orchestra, comprised of eight boys and two girls, offered Inverno and Christmastide. Featured as the Grand Finale was the three piece rock ensemble of lead guitarist Alex Osterhout, Jacob Johnson on bass and The King himself in person donned in full regalia, Student Body President Luke Hepworth, bubbling Blue Christmas. By way of an encore, Christmas Eve Sarajevo was sung. Each of the three free concerts were given as family members arranged themselves at individual tables throughout the room. Hot chocolate and pastries were served by the moms. Caption and photo by Jerry Melrose

Thanks to Mr. Lacy, whose music rends the air with instrumentals, solos, singing voices and the spirit of the season, through the different challenges of putting on a concert this year.

Thanks to modern technology and those who make it happen. Thanks to the computer techs who work hard to bring the moment of joy and celebration into our homes, and especially into our hearts, through Zoom or other technology.

The Covid may place us in masks, bringing distance and separation from hugs and personal touch, but it cannot destroy the festivities of music and the dedication from Mr. Lacey and the students who understand the work that goes into a concert.

The body language of those performing was joyous to see. The foot tapping, the swaying to the rhythm of the music, and the shining eyes of youth as they performed their best in circumstances that can be a bit difficult.

One of the highlights of the concert was a performance by Luke Hepworth, dressed as Elvis, with a very similar delivery. For a moment the King lived as he belted out Blue Christmas.

Thanks to Heidi Jacobs for the yummy cinnamon rolls to top off the festivities.

Thanks to everyone who worked to make the Christmas concert a great event, for those who were in the live audience, and those who were home watching with the enthusiastic spirit that only Christmas can bring.

Thanks to Jerry Melrose and his dedication to get those photos that are the visual images of the moment. He does such an amazing job.

Thanks everyone for making it happen. May your season be merry and bright.