ZANESVILLE — Quenching their thirst before showcasing their vocal talents, Ashley Dodson and Ashley Roush were preparing to get into the swing of the season through music tonight.
“We get to show people how good our voices are, and this gives us a chance to get the spirit into the holidays,” Dodson said.
Dodson and Roush, sophomores at Maysville High School, joined hundreds of other student singers from around the county for the 20th annual Muskingum County Christmas Choir Festival.
The event brought West Muskingum, Tri-Valley, Maysville, Philo, Zanesville and John Glenn high schools together for a musical treat. Each choir sang a few tunes on their own, then joined for several classic holiday songs to finish the program.
Secrest Auditorium was filled to the brim with proud parents, grandparents, friends and relatives ready to see what their favorite choirs, as well as other groups, had to offer.
“This will be nice to have all the schools here and see everybody singing together; it’s a great event,” said Tanya Stewart of Zanesville. She picked a prime spot in the front row to cheer on her daughter, Justine Stewart, who is a freshman in the Zanesville High School choir.
Kailyn Wallace, a ZHS junior in the choir, agreed.
“I like hearing all the different voices and solos, and I’m glad it’s more than just our school,” the singer said. “My favorite song we’re doing is Rock Hewn Manger; it’s one of our best songs.”
Jody Uebel of New Concord was eager to see he son, Devin Fitzgerald, a senior at John Glenn High School, in one of his last Christmas performances.
“I'm also looking forward to some Christmas spirit instead of all the hustle and bustle and shopping,” she said.
The massive crowd cheered and waved at the choirs as they took their seats inside the auditorium. Then Dave Angle, emcee and director of the West Muskingum High School choir, welcomed the eager audience.
“I’m glad you’re here, and I hope you enjoy the festive celebration,” he said. “Merry Christmas!”
With that, the curtain opened for the small but mighty West Muskingum High School choir. Directed by Angle and accompanied by James McLaughlin, the singers started the evening with “Children, Go Tell It!”
Other selections throughout the night included “Joyful, Joyful,” “Christmas Is,” “One Small Child,” “Santa, Bring My Baby Back,” and “Now and Forever Christmas.”
“If you don’t leave here with the Christmas spirit, there’s something wrong with you,” Uebel laughed.
hrichards@nncogannett.com
740-450-6772
Source: zanesvilletimesrecorder.com
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