As part of the Wiscasset Schools Gallery of the Arts, the Wiscasset Choral Department gave its winter concert Dec. 12. The concert opened with the entire choral department combined to welcome the audience singing a stately piece called "Sing in the Holidays."

Next, the elementary chorus performed three pieces. The first, "Yo Vivo Cantando!" (translation, “I Live to Sing!”) featured students playing claves, maracas, drums and a vibraslap. Their second number was the playful "The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" with students entertaining the audience with kazoos during the song. This was followed by "Jingle Bell Jazz," which featured student choreography as they sang.

The middle school chorus took the stage next and sang the upbeat "Run, Rudolph, Run," made popular by Chuck Berry back in 1957. Afterward, the lights were dimmed and the singers each held a candle as they performed "Candlelight Canon." This song was a beautiful reflection on the candle as a symbol of peace. Next, they sang "Lo Yisa Goy," a Hebrew folk song. Translation: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation; Neither shall they learn war anymore." The final number for this ensemble was "Over the River and Through the Wood" which included jingle bells in the accompaniment.

The high school chorus began its set with "Wolfgang's Christmas Canon." Its next piece was the rhythmic "Betelehumu" which was accompanied by students on conga and tubano drums (Maria West, Cedric Loyola) and maracas (D’Nisha Dawkins). Then the students sang a beautiful arrangement of "Pure Imagination" from "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." Lastly, the audience was entertained by "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" accompanied by Cedric Loyola on the drum set, and featuring Dillon Leeman and Maxx Syrjala as soloists.

The entire choral department returned to the stage to sing, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" as the finale.

Carole Drury directs the elementary chorus and Kim Brewer directs the middle and high school choral ensembles. Deborah Perkins accompanied the middle and high school choral groups on the piano.

The Gallery of the Arts continues on Tuesday, Dec. 18 with the middle and high Art Show Opening and the Wiscasset Band Winter Concert featuring the middle school band, high school band and the high school jazz band. The art show opens at 5 p.m. The concert follows at 6:30 p.m.