MHS Christmas Band/Choir Concert

With the spirit and enthusiasm of both the young and those who love the holidays, Mr. Roy McKenney, band director, and Mrs. Janell McKenney, choir director, and the high school band and choir members put on the 2023 Christmas concert at Malta High School on Monday, December 18.

With few seats left in the auditorium, the sounds of the holiday filled the air providing a very relaxing evening of entertainment. It was the second in a line of concerts for the McKenney's, who were looking forward to every moment.

"It was a great concert," stated Mr. McKenney, following an outstanding performance by his band students. Wearing a smile that was indicative of being genuinely pleased with the outcome, he was already planning for the spring concert.

"It was great to get to know them more, and to find out the stuff they want to play and sing," they both chided.

The choir opened the concert with the jazz ensemble playing the "Jazz Cantate," with the ever appreciated talents of Nancy Murdock accompanying them on the piano.

Mrs. McKenney said, "The kids picked the unison song, 'Mary Did You Know'; I asked them to list their top five songs and then we narrowed it down to the top three each. "It is fun to let the kids take the reins in some areas."

Mrs. McKenney said, "Our alto section is really young – freshmen and sophomores; so they work and grow and it was nice to hear them come through with more confidence."

The choir performed "Bidi Bom," Winter Lullaby," "Calypso Cradle Carol," and closed their part of the concert with "The Parting Glass."

"Singing is so personal...you can play an instrument and sometimes the reed breaks or you need valve oil. But with your voice...it is YOU...so it takes a lot more guts to sing and put yourself out there. I always tip my hat off to the kids who try out," she added.

She added, "I always kind of always view a music ensemble as a team without the outright athletics...it still takes athleticism, but..."

"Well, we marched in the homecoming parade. THAT was pretty athletic!," quipped Mr. McKenney.

When asked how the band and choir compare to other schools they have taught at, Mr. McKenney responded, "I try not to compare too much because I like it here so much. I told them since I adjudicated this group last fall, these guys are right in between some of the best bands I have ever had and my intermediate bands. They are thriving very quickly to be one of the top, top bands...especially on the hi-line. They are AMAZING!"

The 42 band students entertained the audience with "Let the Bells Ring, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, You Better Sleigh!," and their finale was "A Christmas Finale."

Both McKenney's agreed that they would like to see the Swing Choir and the Euturpes brought back, both which are selected by audition process. "We'd like to bring back the tradition."

Mr. McKenney gave great praise to the two jazz players who were selected for honors and summed up their being in the halls of MHS with "we're super excited to be here!"