Christmas Concert 2009

The very best of everything.

That’s what we were treated to last evening when we thought it might be a good idea to check out the St. Joseph’s Catholic High School Christmas Concert.

Diversity, humour and comedy, music and drama. And the rich and wonderful variety that’s the hallmark of the SJCHS performing arts community. All of it was on display as the school presented its annual Christmas Concert before an audience open to the public, but of course, heavy on parents and family.

And beautiful. Truly beautiful.

When students take that risk to perform in public, in front of peers and family alike, they put themselves “out there” so to speak, and the mere prospect of such can send most of us running for cover. But when you see them take that risk, by stepping in front of a microphone, either musically or dramatically, or even both, and share with us a part of themselves in a way that is so profoundly personal, well, the result can be breath-taking. And one can only come away from that thoroughly impressed with it all.

Impressed by the courage. And impressed by the talent that lay behind that courage.

The concert was a lovely mix of just about everything. And while everything put the proper emphasis on the celebration of the birth of Christ, it was done so in such a way to be as entertaining as it was in some parts reverent. As such, the audience was treated to choir renditions of traditional Christmas music, as they were to an absolutely delightful performance of a Grade 10 drama class enacting the story of a class readying itself for a Christmas play under the supervision of a slightly loopy teacher. Sorry, did I say slightly?

And the absolute beauty of the hymns chosen by some performers, including the performance finale by Mary Ellen Vice, is the stuff of goosebumps. Songs of hope and inspiration shared with us by people who attach great meaning to their message, and who, through their performances, convey to us the power of their spirit.

What a wonderful way to walk towards Christmas.

And so, a special thank you to all involved. It was truly time well spent.