The holidays are coming, which means that the 2016-2017 Chamber Choir is in high gear.

“It is the most jolly time of all times,” Anna Polisky (12) said, “There’s something so magical about a bunch of really jolly people singing jolly music to jolly people in jolly times.”

Chamber Choir, consisting of 25 students this year, is the highest ranked singing ensemble at VHHS. Under the instruction of Mr. Jeremy Little, the group has the opportunity to perform at a multitude of places during their season.

For many members of the choir department, Chamber is the “goal”.

“I’ve been looking up to this group since middle school when we’d see them perform,” said Stephanie Hull (12). “Being in this group now is really exciting because I’ve always wanted to be in it. Now, being in it for two years, I feel more comfortable and it’s a lot of fun.”

However, the privileges of being in the highly ranked ensemble does not come without months of hard work and dedication.

“When I think of Chamber Choir, I think of how much more you give and do than in other ensembles,” said Co-Music Director Spencer Moffat (12), “We have 24 songs that we start learning in August, and that’s what we work on every day.”

The group works tremendously to learn and refine their 24-song repertoire. They meet 4A daily with an additional two hour rehearsal on Monday nights. They work until their pieces are refined and ready to be showcased.

“It takes a lot of mental, emotional, and physical energy; It’s never fun and games. It’s a lot of hard work,” said Polisky

Yet, once the holiday season rolls around, the dedication these singers put into their craft is rewarded with the opportunity to share their music with others.

Chamber Choir recently sang on WGN Radio with Steve Cochran, visited several elementary schools, and performed at PADS. PADS was perhaps the most rewarding.

PADS, or Public Action to Deliver Shelter, is the homeless shelter system for Lake County. This is the second year that Chamber has had the opportunity to sing at some of these shelters.

The experience is typically the highlight of many singers’ time in Chamber.

“It’s a cool thing being able to share music with people you love,” said Polisky , “but it’s an incredible thing that you can share your love for music with people that aren’t as fortunate as you are. People who are going through so much, but we can all put it aside for a few minutes to sing about love and happiness.”

While it is rewarding to give the gift of music, it is an even greater feeling to know that the gift is received with open hearts.

“[The] night started out somewhat chaotic, but following [Chamber Choir’s] performance the guests were calm and settled down for bed early. I really think [the] music brought a sense of peace and calm to the end of the day,” said Site Manager of Shepherds of the Lake PADS, Karen Mateling.

It’s the impact music has on others that encourages these musicians to continue.

“Last year, a little girl came up to me and said, ‘I want to be like you when I’m older!’ Each year, [PADS] gives us a little gift basket with cookies and candies, and I gave mine to her, and she was so appreciative because she doesn’t have that.” said Stephanie Hull (12), “We take things like Reeses Pieces for granted. At the PADS shelter the next day, she made us all little cards. Her family is going through so much, we were supposed to be giving to them, but she was giving back to us. That was a great experience for me.”

It is not uncommon to see teary eyes and hear humming from the audience as Chamber performs. The connection felt through the performance is nearly indescribable.

“You connect more with each other and for the people that you’re performing for more than other groups. It’s a way to really share ideas and feelings rather than just music.” Moffat said.

Chamber’s performance rings in the spirit of the holidays for those volunteering and spending the night at the shelters.

“The Chamber Choir visit to the Shepherd of the Lakes PADS site is the spark for our guests and volunteers to begin the holiday season.” said Mateling, “Many of the guests have commented that the music reminds them of happier times and offers joy, comfort and hope for the New Year. These feelings are not common for those experiencing homelessness and sharing your beautiful music has also shared these feelings with others!”

The Chamber Choir is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community. The ensemble gets to sing for thousands of people in their season, but these small performances at shelters are by far the most meaningful.

“There’s nothing that I can do to better their financial situation,” Moffat said, “but one gift that I can give them is the gift of music. Just sharing that experience with them. It can help them get through, maybe even just that night,”

Chamber will go on to perform at the Cuneo Mansion, several assisted living centers, a handful of churches, and on WLS Radio. But, as the season comes to a close, the memories of sharing music with others will last far beyond high school.

“You’d think we’d get sick of singing Christmas songs since August,” Hull said, “but now that it’s really Christmas time and it starts getting colder, it’s nice. We’ve been in the holiday spirit since August and now it’s actually the holidays.”