The Wantagh High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble has made the rounds of area holiday gatherings this month.
The student musicians performed at the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce annual Holiday Lighting celebration on Dec. 2, which featured a Christmas tree and menorah for Hanukkah being lit. Accompanied on piano by their advisor, Jennifer Alessi, the group serenaded the crowd of families with jazzy renditions of holiday favorites including “Winter Wonderland”, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Carol of the Bells.”
A few days later, the troupe boarded a bus after school and traveled to the Wantagh Public Library and sang at the Wantagh Retired Teachers holiday meeting to the delight of their members who were thrilled to recognize former students.
The ensemble ended their week caroling at the Wantagh Preservation Society’s Holiday Open House held on the museum grounds. The weather proved to be a little frightful with a chilly drizzle but their spirits were bright, especially when jolly St. Nick himself thanked them for coming.
On Friday, Dec. 14, the group will be expanded and joined by musicians from the Tri-M Music Honor Society including members from all of the high school's bands, orchestras, and choruses as they have been invited once again to perform a Holiday Concert at the Westfield Sunrise Mall in Massapequa from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The purpose of the performance is to raise funds for the Salvation Army, there will be a kettle and donations will be accepted.
The group’s final performance will be at the Wantagh High School Orchestra and Chorus concert on Dec. 19 and then the signature red scarves will be put away until next year.
