Denzel Washington School of the Arts students spread Christmas cheer for all to hear at the Mount Vernon Public Library
The sounds of symphonies could be heard throughout the Mount Vernon Public Library on Thursday, December 19, 2024 as Denzel Washington School of the Arts orchestra majors spread Christmas cheer for the community to rejoice in before the holidays.
“It’s really nice to get out of the building and perform in a space where people can come by and listen who maybe weren’t expecting it,” said Allen Maracle, music teacher at DWSA. “It’s nice to be working on some fun music as we get towards the end of the semester. It was really fun; people seemed to really enjoy it, they played really well, they worked hard and it paid off.”
The group performed a plethora of songs under the direction of Mr. Maracle. Some of the melodies performed included “The First Noel,” "Silent Night,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Joy to the World,” and more.
“I like seeing people gather around when they hear us play,” said Karissa Hinds, a senior at DWSA. “When people walk past us and tell us we’re great, it’s really encouraging.”
This is the first time the group performed at the Mount Vernon Public Library, and are optimistic about showcasing their talents there again. Initiatives such as this one not only help create relationships within the community, but also help students build their confidence in themselves and their craft.