Mid-level's joint winter concert honors all traditions during the Holidays

For her first time in her 17 years of teaching choir at West Valley Middle School, Megan Goranson, along with beginning band teacher, Benjamin Woodbury, decided to have a joint band and choir winter concert for our sixth grade students. For the final, combined performance, Mrs. Goranson said that she wanted to choose a piece that was meaningful and inclusive. Mrs. Goranson said, “I have students in my choir who celebrate different holidays throughout the year, such as Hanukkah, Diwali, Ramadan, and Christmas.” She chose the piece, “Light a Candle,” which honors traditions.

Since there was no instrumental music for this selection, Mr. Woodbury composed an arrangement for the beginning band students. The combined group of band and choir students included 240 sixth grade students – over half of the sixth graders at the school! The gym was so full of family members that rows of chairs were added on the gym floor to complement the bleacher seating. The final piece was, indeed, a grand finale! Thanks to Mrs. Goranson and Mr. Woodbury for their work to include every student and family in West Valley.

“Light a Candle”

Light a candle, light a candle as we celebrate the stories of our past.

Light a candle, light a candle as a symbol of traditions that will last.

For with the candle glow we celebrate the seasons so all the world will know the special reasons.

Light a candle, light a candle to illuminate a dark and special night.

Light a candle, light a candle to reveal what we believe in candle light.

For with the candle glow we celebrate the seasons so all the world will know the special reasons.

Light a candle, light a candle joining yours with mine will make the light increase.

Light a candle, light a candle and our candlelight will be a sign of peace.

For her first time in her 17 years of teaching choir at West Valley Middle School, Megan Goranson, along with beginning band teacher, Benjamin Woodbury, decided to have a joint band and choir winter concert for our sixth grade students. For the final, combined performance, Mrs. Goranson said that she wanted to choose a piece that was meaningful and inclusive. Mrs. Goranson said, “I have students in my choir who celebrate different holidays throughout the year, such as Hanukkah, Diwali, Ramadan, and Christmas.” She chose the piece, “Light a Candle,” which honors traditions.

Since there was no instrumental music for this selection, Mr. Woodbury composed an arrangement for the beginning band students. The combined group of band and choir students included 240 sixth grade students – over half of the sixth graders at the school! The gym was so full of family members that rows of chairs were added on the gym floor to complement the bleacher seating. The final piece was, indeed, a grand finale! Thanks to Mrs. Goranson and Mr. Woodbury for their work to include every student and family in West Valley.

“Light a Candle”

Light a candle, light a candle as we celebrate the stories of our past.

Light a candle, light a candle as a symbol of traditions that will last.

For with the candle glow we celebrate the seasons so all the world will know the special reasons.

Light a candle, light a candle to illuminate a dark and special night.

Light a candle, light a candle to reveal what we believe in candle light.

For with the candle glow we celebrate the seasons so all the world will know the special reasons.

Light a candle, light a candle joining yours with mine will make the light increase.

Light a candle, light a candle and our candlelight will be a sign of peace.