featuring "The President's Own"United States Marine Band and members of local choirs and vocal groups
Wolf Trap brought Holiday Cheer to the Filene Center Stage with their Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long
After 3-years of waiting for the Holiday Sing-A-Long to return, the Wolf Trap audience came to the Filene Center in full force dressed in their best holiday attire. This free performance drew thousands of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. locals to the national park. The house was full almost instantaneously. Not only was a seat in the house a hot commodity but so was a spot on the coveted Wolf Trap Lawn. About one third of the attendees planned to sit on the lawn through the entire show and packed accordingly. The clinking of wine glasses and laughter could be heard from the plaza to the stage with friends and family coming together for this cheerful event.
The Prelude
The performance began with the Marine Band performing Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson. Hums following the melody were buzzing through the audience and many joined in clapping during the famous slapstick horse whip effect. This was the perfect way to open the show. The first seven pieces in the show featured the Marine Band with two vocal soloists MSgt Sara Sheffield, mezzo-soprano who wowed the attendees with her rendition of Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and MGySgt Kevin Bennear, narrator for the fan favorite "The Night Before Christmas." Bennear's low voice boomed over the band with inflection that brought the famous story to life.
Choral Sing-A-Long
Excitement filled the air as the masses of choral members entered the stage. Their voices joined the concert attendees in harmony while singing holiday favorites. Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus said hello to the front few rows during their associated songs. These guests made the smiles on faces even bigger. The program contained a well rounded mix of songs celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and the winter season. This anticipated event was the perfect way to begin the holiday season. There was great music with families, and friends old and new coming together.
The Program
The Prelude
"Sleigh Ride".............................................Leroy Anderson
Symphonic Highlights from Frozen..........Robert Lopez & Kristin Anderson-Lopez arr. by Stephen Bulla
"Rhapsody for Hanukkah"........................Stephen Bulla
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas".Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
A Home Alone Christmas.........................arr. by Paul Lavender
"The Night Before Christmas".................Randol Alan Bass
"A Christmas Festival"..............................Leroy Anderson
Choral Sing-A-Long
"Joy to the World"
"Deck the Halls"
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"*
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
"O Come, All Ye Faithful"
"Feliz Navidad"
"The First Noel"
"Frosty the Snowman"*
"Hanukkah Dance"
"Wassail Song (Here We Come A-Caroling)"
"Winter Wonderland"
"Jingle Bells"
"Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel"
"White Christmas"
"Hallelujah Chorus"
"Let It Snow"
"We Wish You a Merry Christmas"*
"Silent Night"
*-featured a surprise special guest
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