East Pikeland Elementary Chorus and Band Wow Crowd

East Pikeland Elementary Band Director William Kinney recalled his daughter's many years in ballet, from a young age up through high school. He had words of advice to the parents in the audience at Wednesday night's East Pikeland Elementary School Winter Concert, reminding them that childhood passes quickly: "Cherish this."

The concert, held in Barkley Elementary's auditorium, featured rousing winter tunes performed by the elementary school fourth- and fifth-grade chorus and fifth-grade band. Songs ranged from  the humorous "Mistletoe,"  which was performed by the chorus and had the audience cracking up, to a fun jazz song, "Jingle Bells and Jingle Drums" which was played by the band. Another choral number, "Santa Needs a Vacation," conjured thoughts of St. Nick sitting on a Jamaican beach, relaxing.

Parents in the audience snapped photos and maneuvered video cameras, applauding after each number. A middle-school jazz standout came back as an East Pikeland alumni to play a trumpet solo and sit in on two total numbers by the band.

The parents in the crowd were thanked repeatedly for their support of the music program at East Pikeland Elementary. The students stuck it out through early morning practices before classes to learn the songs. Principal Dr. Maryann Cox reminded parents of the Phoenixville Area Middle School's recent success in making it to the finals of the B101 Christmas Choir Competition.

"Those students were right here last year," Dr. Cox said.

She recognized each part of the band, which closed out the show. As the woodwinds, brass section and percussionists took their turns standing, cameras flashed throughout the auditorium.

The chorus was directed by Kelly Dengler, and Mib Campbell played accompaniment, as she has for a number of years. Overall, the concert provided a nice mix of songs sure to spread holiday spirit.