By Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
Millbrook schools featuring Coosada Elementary, Airport Road Intermediate, Millbrook Middle, and Stanhope Elmore High School recently hosted a Winter Concert for the community. The Winter Concert in years past was held at Stanhope Elmore Gymnasium, but this year they performed at Millbrook First Methodist Church. Over 500 people attended this amazing concert.
Coosada Elementary Choir sang two songs, “Jingle Bells,” and “Blitzen’s Boogie.” ARIS Choir sang two songs, “Everlasting Fruitcake,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” The SEHS Choir sang four songs, “We Need a Little Christmas,” “Happy Holiday/White Christmas,” “Pat-a-Pan,” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”
The MMS Beginning Band performed four musical performances that included, “Jolly Ol’ Saint Nicholas,” “Up on the Housetop,” “My Dreidel,” and “Jingle Bells.” The MMS Concert Band performed four instrumental music pieces that included, “Deck the Holidays,” “Adeste Fideles,” “The Christmas Truce of 1914,” and “Carol of the Kings.”
The SEHS Concert Band was the final performance, they showed their talents beautifully to conclude the evening. These songs included, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,” “African Holy Night,” and “A Christmas Festival.”
The three conductors for the evening concert were Rachael Jackson, Zack Smith, and Wesley Morris.
Rachael Jackson is the Choir/Music Teacher for CES and ARIS. This is her 1st year teaching at the schools. She recently graduated from Huntingdon College.
Zach Smith is the MMS Band Teacher. This is his 7th year teaching at the schools. Prior to teaching at MMS, he taught choir and band at Dadeville High School, Wetumpka High School, Redland Middle School, and Elmore County High School. Smith earned his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Troy State.
Wesley Morris is in 18th year teaching. He has taught 17 years as the Choir Director and 10 years as the Band/Choir Director. Morris earned his undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of Alabama-Birmingham and his Master of Music Education from Auburn University.
From the three Conductors:
“Thank you to the Church Staff and Choir Members of Millbrook First Methodist Church for their hospitality that evening. A Special Thanks to CES, ARIS, MMS, and SEHS Administration, Staff, and Teachers for your support of the fine arts! We would not be here without you!”
