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By Amelia Tarallo
Hometown Weekly Staff
Each December, traditional holiday carols can be heard everywhere, from school concerts to the radio to local celebrations. On Friday, December 6, the hum of carols could be heard in the middle of Walpole’s Bird Park.
Despite the frigid weather and the snow-covered ground, visitors were bundled up and ready to ring in the holiday season and hear some of their favorite carols sung by the Walpole High School chorus. Visitors flocked to grab cups of hot coffee, hot tea, and delicious hot chocolate with marshmallows. Kids, impatient for the celebration to start, played together in the snow to pass the time.
After a brief introduction about the park and the new toy drive, Bird Park guests were treated to the lighting of the holiday tree at the Music Court. Guests gasped as the once-dark stage lit up with a beautiful Christmas tree and other decorative lights.
Now illuminated by the newly-lit stage, the chorus began by serenading their audience with “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas.” The chorus’ rendition of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” sped up and went about as a wave across the stage. The performance seemed to quiet any rowdy children and draw them to the stage.
The treble chorus took on “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Away in the Manger.” Following these classics, the singers sang a musical version of Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” The last song the treble chorus sang was meant to be accompanied by a piano. Unfortunately, none could be found in Bird Park. “It will drive forward without,” joked the student introducing the song.
The rest of the chorus came back together for a harmonized rendition of “Oh, Christmas Tree,” during which the audience was encouraged to sing along.
“How many of you actually sang along?” the chorus director asked. A number of audience members shouted that they had. “Good, you get a 100 today!”
The chorus ended its concert with two all-time favorites: “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” With a quick thank-you to Bird Park, the spirited members of the audience returned home to continue celebrating the holiday season.
