Christmas is one the the most celebrated holidays across the world. Billions of people from different religions and cultural backgrounds have their traditions. Christmas movies, decorations, presents, food, family, and especially music bring a magical aspect to the season. Abraham Lincoln vocal music students are putting on a Winter Vocal Music Concert on December 18 to bring on the holiday spirit. 

Vocal music teacher Elmer Ellefson has had the choirs do warm-ups and practice the songs Sleigh Ride, White Fields in Winter, And the Night, Presentation of Letters, Battle Hymn, and Carol of the Bells each class to get ready for the concert. 

“We have had sectionals, practices, and we have worked on our 6 selections that we are doing,” said Ellefson. “I think we are going to be ready for it.” 

Junior concert choir student Haley Brazier loves getting to be a part of concerts because of the bonds she’s made and the fun atmosphere that is created. 

“Doing concerts with friends is always fun, said Brazier. “Ellefson makes them exciting. He tells jokes and is great to be around.” 

Junior concert choir student Makana Noble is excited about the upcoming concert because of how well the team has connected and worked well together in practices. 

“I’m excited for this year’s concert,” said Noble. “Ellefson knows what works and sounds best. I say these concerts are so much fun because the choir really comes together and tries to feel the sport of the music, even if it challenging. I feel we become closer each concert to our friends and peers in choir.” 

Ellefson is proud of all that each choir has achieved this season, including one major milestone made by AL’s concert choir. 

“Our concert choir tackled an immense accomplishment in preforming the entire Brahms requiem with the Omaha Symphony, said Ellefson. “We are 1 of 6 choirs in probably all of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, the whole Midwest, that can say we did that.”