Atlantic City High School Winter Concert Spreads Holiday Cheer with Diverse Performances

ATLANTIC CITY — On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, Atlantic City High School brought the holiday spirit to life with its annual winter concert, a heartwarming showcase of student talent and cultural diversity.

Set in the school’s atrium, just steps away from the auditorium, the event was led by Choir Director Chaz Flud and accompanist Kathy Ford. Featuring a lineup of festive songs performed by the school’s combined choirs, the evening highlighted the dedication and creativity of both students and staff.

"It’s great to showcase our students’ talents and the hard work that they put in day in and day out," said Donald Harris, Director of Secondary Education. "I also want to commend the advisors and teachers who work with these students, as well as the support from parents and the community."

The program opened at 6 p.m. with a lively performance of "That Time of Year" from Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, delighting the audience with its cheerful melody. This was followed by the soothing harmonies of "Dormi, Dormi," a traditional Italian Christmas carol, and the poignant "Nes Gadol Haya Sham," which recounts the Hanukkah miracle of oil lasting eight days.

Adding an American twist to the evening, the choirs performed "An Elvis Christmas," a medley of holiday hits, including "Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me" and "Blue Christmas." The concert concluded with "From an Irish Cabin," evoking the charm of Celtic holiday traditions.

The evening’s grand finale invited children and alumni to the stage for a spirited sing-along. Timeless classics like "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and "Silver Bells" brought smiles to cap off the event with a warm, communal touch.

Ford, who accompanied the choirs on piano, praised the students for their energy and dedication. “It’s a small group, but they put a lot of energy into it, and they did a nice job,” said Ford. Flud reflected on his 13 years leading the choirs, noting how their size has fluctuated over the years. "They’re resilient and fun. They enjoy singing together," said Flud. "Our students have dedicated countless hours to practice, and their effort truly shone through tonight. " 

Choirs That Shine

The concert featured three ensembles:

• Chorus: The beginner group for first-year vocal music students, which meets during school hours and counts for class credit.
• Choir: The main vocal ensemble, open to students throughout their high school years for recurring credit.
• Vocal Vikings: An extracurricular pop a cappella group that practices after school.

After the final notes were sung, the students celebrated with photos and laughter, leaving a lasting impression on their audience. The Atlantic City High School winter concert was more than just an evening of music; it was a joyful reminder of the community’s shared spirit and the talents of its youth.

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