Cooper Holiday Concerts
Showcasing talent, teamwork, and holiday spirit
This year’s holiday performances at The John Cooper School have left students, teachers, and families feeling festive, inspired, and full of holiday cheer. The school’s dedication to the arts was on full display, from joyful choirs to lively instrumental pieces. The performances showcased students' incredible talent and highlighted the crucial role that music and the arts play in fostering creativity, teamwork, and a sense of community.Holiday Performance Statistics 2024 by Horvath, Serena
The series of performances started with the 5th-12th Grade Band Concert, which was a vibrant celebration of both the holiday spirit and the profound impact of music in shaping the whole child. Months of hard work and dedication came to life as students performed with passion and precision, each note a testament to their growth, perseverance, and love for the arts. Beyond the festive melodies, the concert was a powerful reminder of how music transcends mere performance; it nurtures creativity, fosters collaboration, and builds character. Through their participation, students not only honed their musical skills but also developed important life skills like discipline, resilience, and teamwork, proving that music has the power to shape not just musicians, but well-rounded individuals ready to tackle any challenge.
6th Grade and Middle School Band
The 6th Grade and Middle School Band Concerts, where students took center stage performing everything from harmonic melodies to contemporary hits. Parents and teachers filled the auditorium, clapping and nodding along to tunes that warmed their hearts. It was a wonderful spectacle as students showcased their hard work and dedication to the arts, contributing to their development as well-rounded students and lifelong learners.
The 6th Grade and Middle School Band Concerts, where students took center stage performing everything from harmonic melodies to contemporary hits. Parents and teachers filled the auditorium, clapping and nodding along to tunes that warmed their hearts. It was a wonderful spectacle as students showcased their hard work and dedication to the arts, contributing to their development as well-rounded students and lifelong learners.
The Chamber Strings Concert was equally impressive, as sounds inspired by famous composers resonated throughout the Glenn Performing Arts Center. From Bach and Handel to Shostakovich and Dvořák, the musicians demonstrated not only their skills as individuals but also their ability to come together to create harmonious performances.
The 5th-12th Grade Choir concert was a standout moment of the holiday season, featuring a stunning mix of voices from across grade levels. Students harmonized beautifully as they performed a range of holiday classics. The older students lent their experience to support the younger singers, creating a perfect blend of energy and talent. The choir's enthusiastic renditions had the audience clapping, swaying, and even singing along, amplifying the joy surrounding the concert. The concert was a testament to the dedication of both the students and their choir directors, leaving everyone in attendance with smiles and a warm holiday spirit.
Lower School Holiday Programs
The Prekindergarten Holiday Program was a heartwarming highlight of the season, capturing the innocence and joy of the youngest students. Dressed in festive costumes, the young Dragons took to the stage with big smiles and bright eyes, singing cheerful holiday songs that reverberated off the walls of the Mitchell Lower School. Their adorable performance, complete with simple hand movements and lively expressions, had the audience in awe. Parents and teachers cheered as the students confidently belted out their tunes, creating a magical atmosphere.
The K-2nd Grade Holiday Program was a vibrant celebration of the power of music at a young age. As the students performed the Holiday Ho-Ho-Hoedown, they made sure to reflect Texas’ unique style of celebrating the season! The excitement was palpable as the performers eagerly took the stage, their voices full of energy and joy. The students radiated enthusiasm with every note, and it was inspiring to see how music allowed these students to express themselves with such confidence and creativity. The performance highlighted the incredible impact that music can have on young minds, building confidence, teamwork, and a deep love for creative expression. The audience couldn't help but be swept up in the magic, reminded of the pure joy that music brings, especially when experienced through the eyes of children.
"Seeing our students perform in the holiday concert is a joy. It's a celebration of their effort, confidence, and the way music helps them express themselves,” said Wendy Wells, Lower School Music Teacher.
The 3rd-5th Grade Holiday Program was a delightful celebration of youthful energy and holiday cheer. The students performed a lively mix of geographically diverse songs, taking the audience on a tour across the musical globe. The performers filled the stage with enthusiasm and talent while showcasing different holiday classics from varying cultures. The highlight of the program was the group’s synchronized choreography and finger light show, wowing the audience and spreading smiles across the crowd. It was clear that these students had worked hard to perfect their performance, and their excitement was contagious.
"It’s truly heartwarming to see our Lower School Students bring so much energy and enthusiasm to the holiday concert,” said Leslie Keig, Lower School Music Teacher. “These performances are a beautiful reminder of how music helps build confidence, teamwork, and a sense of pride, all while spreading joy and holiday cheer to our school community."
While making for incredible spectacles, these performances weren’t just about entertainment – they were a celebration of what the arts bring to the school and the larger community. Music performances are essential to developing well-rounded students, encouraging creativity, instilling discipline, and provoking problem-solving attitudes. On a broader spectrum, these performances build strong connections within the school community, offering opportunities for students, teachers, parents, and residents to come together and share in something meaningful.
“Our holiday concerts are a wonderful opportunity for students to not only showcase their musical growth but also to experience the joy of sharing their hard work with the community,” said Tony Yarbrough, Upper School Band Director.
In a world that often moves quickly, these performances served as a reminder of the importance of taking time to connect, create, and celebrate together as the holiday season continues to sweep through the new year. The John Cooper School is already looking forward to the next set of performances in the spring. And if this year’s shows are any indication, we can expect more beautiful moments of music, creativity, and community to come!
The John Cooper School
From Curiosity to Wisdom
The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. Our mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
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