The James A. Garfield Local School District’s choral program showcased both its youngest singers and its developing upper-level performers during the 2025 Winter Choral Concert at Iva Walker Auditorium, directed by Joel Logan.
The evening opened with a performance by the Garfield Elementary School Youth Chorus, featuring students in fourth, fifth and sixth grades. The group performed “In Service Of,” “Holly and Ivy and Evergreen” and “Snow,” all by Teresa Jennings, followed by “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson, arranged by Beck, introducing the audience to the district’s early vocal program.
Following the elementary performance, the James A. Garfield Concert Choir — comprised of middle school students in grade eight and high school students in grades nine through 12 — took the stage. Logan noted the expanded grade range marks a milestone for the program.
“For the first year, the concert choir includes students in eighth grade all the way through seniors,” Logan told the audience. “That is a big step in our program to get more students involved in choir,” he said, adding that the inclusion was made possible through scheduling support from middle school staff.
The concert choir opened with “Let It Snow/Winter Wonderland,” arranged by Billingsley and Emerson, blending two familiar American winter standards. The ensemble then moved into traditional carol repertoire with “Deck the Halls,” a Welsh folk tune, followed by the English carol “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen,” known for its minor-key character and narrative text.
“Angels We Have Heard on High,” a French carol recognized for its extended “Gloria” passages, followed. Logan encouraged audience participation, emphasizing the role of shared music-making. “A community that sings together, stays together.” he added .
The program shifted to a more reflective tone with “O Magnum Mysterium” by Javier Busto, a modern Latin setting traditionally performed during Advent. Logan said the piece served both musical and educational purposes. “One of the true testaments of choral singing is really showing you what you can do with singing without any help,” he said, noting the piece’s a cappella structure .
He also shared that the work was previously performed during the choir’s recent trip to New York City. “We got to perform at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine,” Logan said. “When we were done singing, it probably took three or four seconds for the sound to completely stop,” he said, describing the experience as “a little otherworldly”.
The choir returned to contemporary holiday music with “Believe” from The Polar Express, arranged by Josh Groban, featuring soloists Charlie Johnson and senior Riley Carson. The piece emphasized themes of faith and imagination central to the film’s message.
Before the final selection, Logan recognized the leadership of the senior members of the choir. “They’ve been a really good group of leaders so far this year, not just musically speaking,” he said. “They’re good leaders in how we treat each other, being prepared for rehearsal, and letting the drama stay at the door,” he added .
The concert concluded with “We Need a Little Christmas” from the musical Mame, arranged by Jerry Kerr, closing the program with an energetic and optimistic finale.
The James A. Garfield Concert Choir will return to Iva Walker Auditorium on Jan. 27 for its annual Solo and Ensemble Concert at 7 p.m. The choral season will conclude May 12, with the Garfield Elementary School Youth Chorus performing at 6 p.m., followed by the concert choir at 7 p.m.