Tallulah Falls School Winter Concert Brings Community Together in Celebration of Music

It is true. Music does bring people together, and our Winter Concert proved that point. Choral groups representing the lower, middle, and upper schools, along with the school’s new Middle School Instrumental Ensemble, filled the Gertrude Long Harris Theatre with festive Christmas selections for a packed audience.

Music teacher Cailyn Cook noted that this year’s event carried special meaning due to the number of ensembles represented. “We featured seven different ensembles, including the debut performance of our new Middle School Instrumental Ensemble,” Cook said. “Together, these groups created a beautiful program that showcased the growth, dedication, and artistry of our students.”

Under the direction of lower and middle school music teacher Sarah Lawrence, the Middle School Instrumental Ensemble opened the night with several pieces the students prepared throughout the semester. “It has been so fulfilling to work with the new Instrumental Ensemble this year,” said Lawrence. “The growth that these students have achieved in just a few short months is nothing short of astounding.”

The evening continued with performances from the fifth- and sixth-grade chorus, followed by the Upper School Select Ensemble. Led by student director Allison York of Mount Airy, the select ensemble delivered a powerful performance of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" “It ended up being my favorite piece of the evening,” York shared. “There are a select few from each grade who are really committed. They are hardworking, and they love what they do.”

York also directs the growing a cappella club, which returned for its second year with a moving performance of White Winter Hymnal.

Fourteen members of the middle school choir also presented a series of selections, including audience favorites Cold Snap and Snowman, featuring solos by Audrey Roy of Toccoa and Ileigh Johnson of Dahlonega.

The evening concluded with the middle and upper school choruses joining for a stirring performance of "C followed by an audience Christmas sing-along.