December has been a busy month at Westwood Collegiate, from candlelight concerts to a performance of Chicago. However, the school’s jazz choir and members of the concert choir still found time to join Nolan Kehler in the Classic 107 studios for a live performance of some winter tunes guaranteed to shake off the cold!
The excitement continues for Westwood’s choirs as they get ready for their Sounds of the Season concert on December 18 in the school’s theatre.
“We’re doing some really fun pieces that people will recognize, but also a few songs that are maybe less familiar,” says conductor Heather Neufeld, pointing to a rendition of “January Hymn” by indie rock outfit The Decemberists that the choir shared in a live performance.
Students from the Westwood arts department will also be travelling to New York City in the coming week, where they’ll be taking in everything from Broadway shows to The Rockettes Christmas show.
“I’m hoping that they come back inspired by the amazing performances they’ll see,” says Neufeld. “It feeds what we do every day, and we try to get them to realize how special performing is.”
In the midst of a busy season of performing, Neufeld also ensures that students know how to maintain healthy performance practices so that they can stay in peak condition and in good holiday spirits. “We do remind our performers that they do need to take care of themselves,” says Neufeld. “I think the thing that keeps them going is that love of performing and the feeling you get from being a part of something like this.”
You can see Westwood Collegiate concert and jazz choirs in their Sounds of the Season concert on December 18 at 7 p.m. in the school’s theatre. Tickets are $5, and they can either be purchased with cash at the door or at the school’s website.