Members of the RHS Band, Choir and Orchestra embarked on their annual holiday tour of elementary schools shortly before the district’s winter break, on Dec. 17, 2024. The high schoolers showcased their musical talents in the form of holiday tunes, movie soundtracks, hit songs and even video game theme songs.
This year’s set list included an opening of “Christmas at the Movies” directed by Band Teacher Nicholas Fantazzi, which featured many familiar holiday songs including the themes from “The Polar Express” and “Home Alone,” while Orchestra Teacher Aoma Caldwell directed the “Wii Theme.”
“I was incredibly proud of our RHS Symphonic Orchestra and the Choir members during our tour,” said Michael Lichtenfeld, co-director of Symphonic Orchestra. “The performances were outstanding, and it was heartwarming to see the students at each of the four elementary schools genuinely enjoying our pieces.”
Choir Director Matthew Swiss then led band and orchestra students in a rendition of “Silent Night.” The choir accomplished the impressive feat of first singing the song in German and then repeating the lyrics in English.
For the grand finale, Lichtenfeld and Swiss walked out in front of the orchestra for a theatrical performance, pretending to fight with lightsabers and conducting in tandem as the ensemble played “The Duel of The Fates” from “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace.”
Caldwell noted that the trip was particularly significant for her. “As a former student of Ironia Elementary, I always look forward to playing there a little extra,” she said. “What’s even better, though, is watching the younger students get excited about music and about orchestra. It’s a great opportunity to share in that feeling of excitement together.”
The trip is also fun for the RHS students who not only help elementary become interested in the music program but also get the chance to see what their former elementary schools are like now.
“I felt so excited because I love to see my old teachers and show them my musical accomplishments,” RHS junior Kiera Kristoff said.
