On Thursday, Dec. 7, orchestra and choir had a joint concert to perform Christmas music. Having only practiced twice together, both groups were excited to hear how everything would sound in the end.

Orchestra started the concert off with playing Christmas Eve Sarajevo, a tradition for them, accompanied by drummer Sam Shull and electric guitarist Kendrick Bearpaw. Senior Aaron Garner sang a solo before going onto the next piece.

“Gloria” by Vivaldi, a 12-part piece, followed including choir solos by senior Nadia Maddex, freshman Tony Washington, and senior Tamia Tyler, and a cello solo by Garner.

“Let There Be Peace on Earth” set a “peaceful” and calm atmosphere. The lights on the stage dimmed, and the choir lit handheld candles. With the last note the orchestra played, choir members blew the candles out.

To end the concert the way it started, a traditional piece was played as the group performed “Sleigh Ride,” an annual piece for the choir.

This was senior Shhdwafi Youssef’s last concert, and she was very happy with how everything turned out.

“Compared to the rehearsal, it sounded so much better. It was great how it turned out,” she said. “[Plus] Nadia’s solo was amazing.”

Orchestra’s next official concert is on Feb. 22, 2018, at 7 p.m. in the Pattonville auditorium.