The winter season often is a favorite time of year for children, bringing holiday cheer and festivities, but the 46 students in the Van Zant Elementary School Chorus were the holiday cheer at The Promenade at Sagemore’s Tree Lighting on Nov. 20.
The students’ brief concert included four holiday songs and was the highlight of the event after Evesham Township Mayor Randy Brown ceremonially lit the tree and Santa Claus visited the crowd. The four-hour event also included trolley rides, prizes, and discounts at many of The Promenade’s stores. The crowd included Van Zant Elementary School parents, siblings, teachers, staff members, grandparents and even alumni.
“This is such a festive way to begin our holiday season,” said Van Zant Elementary School Principal Rosemary McMullen, who wore a navy blue scarf with the letters “VZ” — for Van Zant. Every member of the chorus also wore a VZ scarf, made by Van Zant Elementary School staff members specifically for the occasion. “I thought the concert was beautiful and I really enjoyed it. It was terrific in bringing all of the families together for the kids.”
The fourth and fifth-grade students had been practicing after school for six weeks under the direction of Chorus Teacher Cindy Wasdick, who did not turn any children away. They sang “Swinging in a Holiday Mood,” “Christmas Time is Here,” “Welcome Christmas,” and part of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
“This opportunity sounded like something I could do and I knew I would love to do it,” Wasdick said. “They’re very excited because they’re out in public showing their stuff and they know it’s special. It’s perfect.”
“Ever since I was little I wanted to be a famous singer or a dancer,” said Gianna Koons, a fourth-grader in the chorus. “This is my first year in the chorus and I really like it. It’s fun to make new friends and sing. It’s a fun little thing, because after school you don’t [usually] get to see your friends or do fun things.”
“The best thing that ever happened to her was going to Van Zant Elementary School,” chimed in Gianna’s mother, Jessica Desko.
Fans have another chance to hear the Van Zant Elementary School Chorus sing holiday songs. The school’s Winter Concert on Dec. 8 will feature the same four songs, plus four additional ones.
