The Instrumental Winter Concert displayed a variety of holiday music ranging from upbeat to ominous, celebrating a diverse range of winter holidays—“Chanukah: The Festival of Lights Overture” about Hanukkah, “Feliz Navidad” and “Gleeful Christmas” celebrating Christmas, “Winter Solstice” celebrating the titular holiday as well as winter- themed pieces like “Polar Express” and “Winter Wonderland.” The winter concert featured performances by Concert Band and Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and String Orchestra.

Embracing the holiday spirit, players and their instruments donned a sea of Santa hats to accompany the festive music.

Percussion instruments like the chimes and sleigh bells added a lively element by providing an accompanying sound that emphasized  distinct melodies. Unique instruments like the electric guitar were also included in the Symphonic Orchestra performance of “Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12/24,” creating a modern sound.

“The nature of this song combines elements of traditional orchestra with rock and roll,” Instrumental Music director Ben Case said. “Picking something different provided a set of challenges, but we were able to rise up to it.”

Check out all vocal programs along with Wind Symphony, Jazz I and Philharmonic Orchestra at the Winter Gala tonight for $10 for students and $15 for others at the front of the theater.

All levels of choir performed multiple selections which displayed their vocal talents through  high notes and harmonious chorus, while other songs parodied traditional holiday repertoire showcasing that each choir had a diverse range of skill.

Classic holiday songs like “Jingle Bells” were adapted into “Jumble Bells,” where Chamber Singers sang it “jumbled” and out of order, while Bass Clef’s “Twelve Days After Christmas” cleverly changed the lyrics for the song to be from the man’s perspective rather than the official “Twelve Days of Christmas” which is sung from a woman’s perspective.

“The holiday season is a time for love, happiness, and remembering those who are dear to us,” choral director Zach Halop said. “Laughter is a tie that binds us all which is why I included the humorous elements to the songs.”

Treble Clef and Viva Cantar performed “Choralography,” which are sets of choreographed dances executed while they sing. Treble Clef used gift bags as props while singing “Christmas Rush,” a song about shopping during the holiday season. Viva Cantar performed “Down Down the Chimney” utilizing the full stage for formations as performers moved from sitting on the edge of the stage to surrounding the corners.