By PARKER KOONS – Microphones on, risers set, chorus at attention, and the starting note is played. The Indiana Senior High School choral program performed a concert this past Thursday, December 6. The concert included the Men’s Chorus, A Capella Choir, and Madrigals conducted by Mr. Scott Salser, and Women’s Chorus conducted by Ms. Julianne Laird.

This concert was Mr. Salser’s last Holiday Concert. Salser plans to retire at the end of the year. “Well I suppose with any lasts it’s a little bit bitter sweet, thinking about the last ‘Boars Head’ and the last ‘Advent Processional’, it can be a little bit emotional but I believe by the end of the year I’ll still be ready to move on.”

The Men’s chorus performed “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”, “Sleigh Bells”, “In the Bleak Midwinter”, and the classic “Boar’s Head Carol”. Senior Drew Nelson stated, “I find them [the songs] to be very professional and wisely chosen. My favorite would be the Grinch because it allows us to be more relaxed.” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” will include spoken solos from senior Grant Minnick and freshman Verner McKendrick.

Madrigals followed Men’s Chorus by performing “The 12 Days of Christmas” which featured solos by Amanda Iandiorio and Kaitlyn Stossel. After Madrigals was Women’s Chorus, conducted by Laird, which performed “Fum Fum Fum!”, “Glow”, “Winter Wonderland”, and “Carol of the Bells”. Lily Carone, a junior in Women’s Choir said, “I feel like it was different, but in a good way because Mrs. Laird brings a fresh approach.”

A Capella took the stage after Women’s where they performed “Winter’s Heart”, “Advent Processional”, “Weinachten”, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”, and “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”. Finally all performers gathered on the stage to perform “Jingle All the Way”.

“Jingle All the Way” was played on the piano by Carone and junior Grace Wadding. Carone also played the piano for “In the Bleak Midwinter” for Men’s Chorus, “Fum, Fum, Fum!” for Women’s Chorus, “Glow” for Women’s Chorus, and “Winter Wonderland” for Women’s Chorus. Nathan Birch played the piano for “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch” for Men’s Chorus.

[Photo by Parker Koons]

Photo Caption: “Junior Amanda Iandiorio sings ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’, her solo for the Madrigals.”