The Orinda Intermediate School choir is a performance-based class and loves any opportunity to spread the joy of music throughout the school year. Front Row (L-R) Giulia Aparicio, Maya Elkind and Sophie Baker. Second row (L-R) Anders Brune, Syd Smith and Brandi Hatzirallis. Third row (L-R) Olivia Szeman and Christina Holling, back row (L-R) Cassandra Unverfurth, Ira Manav, Vivi Decareau, Emalia Kim, Sadie Gibson and Mia Cortesio.
As the chill of the winter sets in, many seek comfort next to the fire, decorating the home, cooking culinary delights and spending time with family and relatives. However, it is also the time of year when students, teachers and parents anticipate the school’s winter plays and choir concerts.
These annual events are heartwarming traditions that bring extra joy for the holiday season, while showcasing the incredible talents of Orinda students.
Christina Holling’s students at Orinda Intermediate School (OIS) host their annual Band & Chorus winter concert, their winter play Elf The Musical Jr.! and Miramonte High School students present their annual Winter Choral Concert.
OIS Band & Chorus Winter Concert
Dec. 7, Chorus: 6 p.m., Band: 7 p.m
Isola Gym at OIS
Admission is free and open to the public.
The one-hour show features dozens of Orinda’s finest young musicians performing a variety of tunes from pop to rock to holiday to classical.
“Our Annual Winter Concert Extravaganza introduces to audiences for the first time this year four ensembles which will be performing at school and in the community throughout the 2023-24 OIS school year: our String Orchestra, Concert Band, Bulldog Band and Jazz Band!” said OIS band teacher, Greg Mazamanian.
“I hope the audience leaves the concert filled with hope, joy and pride of their young performers,” said OIS Choir Director Christina Holling.
The choir will also perform at the annual Orinda Tree Lighting event at the community center on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. The inaugural tree lighting event is the perfect way for the Orinda community to ring in the holiday season.
OIS presents Elf The Musical Jr.!
Six shows from Dec. 14-16
OIS Bulldog Theater
Tickets are $12 and available for purchase at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/77951.
Elf The Musical Jr.! is based on the beloved holiday comedy, Elf, which follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. It is a story about family and sharing special moments with those you love.
Directed by Christina Holling, current OIS choir and drama teacher, the students have put months of preparation into the production.“We have two casts with a total of 48 performers and a 10-student tech crew. The actors started weekly rehearsals on Aug. 23 and continue to meet every week until showtime,” said Holling. “This modern-day holiday classic is sure to help everyone embrace their ‘inner elf.’”
Miramonte’s Winter Choral Concert
Dec. 14, 7-8:30 p.m.
MHS Theater
Donations accepted in lieu of tickets.
Featuring over 60 performers, the concert encompasses students from the Miramonte Chamber Singers, Mixed & Concert Choir and Musical Theater Workshop.
Students will sing a variety of winter and holiday-themed songs, featuring favorite classics in addition to less well-known songs. Additionally, the concert will feature Miramonte’s choir seniors and have several special numbers with solos, duets and more.
Miramonte Choir Director Meredith Hawkins hopes the community will enjoy a night of coming together filled with live music during a time when the Miramonte arts programs continue to struggle.
“Our vocal music program is still feeling the impact from COVID-19. We lost the ability to sing together and carry on our traditions, like the Winter Concert. We’re still trying to build it back, ” said Hawkins. “I hope everyone – audience and performers alike – will enjoy a night of coming together and enjoying live music.”
