If you walk past the orchestra room during the day, you might hear the sound of Christmas-y and beautiful music. This Wednesday, December 11, the Clear Lake Orchestra is performing for the Winter Concert, a long-time tradition to celebrate the end of the year.

Each of the orchestras have their own concert with their own songs for a memorable performance. “For symphony, we’re playing A Christmas Festival, Greensleeves Variations, a Celtic Carol, and one more,” senior Symphony celloist Rhea Wadhwa said.

For this concert, the two Chamber groups have combined with the band to make a Full Orchestra, creating a fuller and bolder sound. “The Full Orchestra will be playing Sleigh Ride, Polar Express, There’s Christmas in the Air, and A Christmas Song,” senior Chamber 1 violist Aryana Patel said.

For one song, Of Dust and Eternal, will be played by just the two Chambers, an elegant string execution. “The composer, David Michael Hyde, will be sitting in the audience for our performance,” senior Chamber 1 violinist Emily Dong said.

To prepare for the concert, for the last several weeks, Chamber orchestras has been increasing out-of-class practice in order to get ready for the big day. “We rehearse every Wednesday after school from around 3-5 p.m.,” senior Chamber 1 violist Matthew Nunez said.

Typically, the Winter Concert has extra surprises to get everyone into the festive spirit. “Some people put bows on their instruments, and we can wear headbands and hats–Christmas themed stuff,” Patel said. “Every year, we have a person who dresses up as Santa Claus and they direct one of our songs.”

Orchestra and non-orchestra members alike are excited for this yearly tradition that brings such cheer to our school. “Orchestra is such a family, and during Christmas, it’s even more joyful,” Patel said.