|
Students hold up paper candles representing a menorah during a Christmas pageant held Thursday morning at J.W. Oakley Elementary in Brawley. (ERIC MILLER PHOTO / December 24, 2012) |
BRAWLEY — Brooke Baxter did not mind getting to school early because it meant she would partake in the Star Chorus Christmas program at J.W. Oakley Elementary School here.
“I like to sing,” said Brooke, a 7-year-old second-grader. “My favorite song was ‘Feliz Navidad.’”
Brooke and close to 100 other students showcased their singing talents to classmates and parents after weeks of rehearsing.
“I wasn’t nervous,” Brooke said. “It was fun.”
Brawley resident Kendra Teeters said she also enjoyed the school’s Christmas program, which featured her son.
“I think the principal here does a great job of involving the community in all the school’s events,” said Teeters. “My son volunteered to sing and seemed excited to come out.”
The program featured a number of Christmas carols both old and new and even a few Hanukkah songs.
“I always like to throw in a few Hanukkah songs because I’m Jewish,” said Cynthia Harvie, Star Chorus director.
Harvie, a retired elementary school teacher, has been leading the chorus for more than 30 years.
“It’s just something that I love to do,” she said. “The students rarely get to practice music inside the classroom so I’m glad I’m able to provide a little music before or after school.”
Alyssa Lemus said she enjoyed practicing and performing with the chorus.
“I like that we get treats,” said Alyssa, a 7-year-old second-grader. “I was only a little tired, but I was excited to sing ‘Deck the Halls.”
Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
To comment on this story click here to be directed to Facebook.
