A BUENA PARK CATHOLIC school helped its community ring in the holiday season with three classic Christmas songs.
THE ST. PIUS V CHOIR SHARES FESTIVE SONG WITH THE COMMUNITY DURING BUENA PARK CITY HALL’S TREE LIGHTING EVENT HELD ON DEC. 5.
St. Pius V Catholic School student musicians, including the campus Patriot Choir, took the stage at Buena Park City Hall’s tree lighting on Dec. 5, alongside other local schools. The annual community event brought out neighbors to enjoy the lighting of a behemoth Christmas tree, opportunities for pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a trackless Santa train and food trucks.
“Watching our students perform for the city was amazing,” said St. Pius’ principal Shannon Kwan. “Our students did a great job, and I was thrilled watching them share their God-given talents with our community.”
Taking the poinsettia-decked stage set up in front of Buena Park City Hall, St. Pius’ fourth and fifth graders opened the performance with a rendition of Jingle Bells on their recorders. This was followed by 22 students dressed in their blue-on-blue uniforms complete with wrist bells. They sang beloved favorites, O Come, All Ye Faithful and Feliz Navidad. Some students brought extra holiday cheer with Christmas light necklaces and festive headwear ranging from Santa hats and Christmas trees to the Grinch.
“I hope the students were able to see how much joy they brought to their community,” said the school’s assistant principal Samantha Teymouri. “They had a wonderful and lively performance. During this Advent season, as we wait for the arrival of our Savior, our students helped to spread cheer and faith.”
The students also had their photo taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus before ending the night. The choir program, which features students in third through eighth grade, only had around a month to prepare.
Despite this, the students worked hard and were dedicated toward being ready for their performance, said St. Pius V music director Christian Burgos.
“I’m beyond proud of how well they performed,” said Burgos. “Their God-given talent truly shined on stage.”
She added, “Considering how quickly everything came together, they exceeded all of my expectations. I couldn’t be a prouder teacher.”
The event, one of several the school has participated in this year, was a chance for the school to strengthen its connection with the community and see the students shine, said Kwan.
Burgos said she hopes her students cherish the memories they made that night.
“More than anything,” she said, “I want them to continue to enjoy their love for singing and feel proud of what they’ve accomplished. I pray they continue believing in themselves and treasure the joyful moments they gain through our choir program.”