Anthem Concert Choir Lights Up the Night Facebook Twitter Email This Post Anthem Prep December 13, 2022 The Outlets at Anthem kicked off the holiday season last month with the 21st Annual Tree Lighting and Concert. The Great Hearts Anthem Prep Concert Choir opened the event before headliner Marcus Tinsley, a local singer and American Idol contestant. Choir students were on stage when the more than 1.5 miles of LED lights were ceremoniously turned on for the first time this season on the 70-foot-tall, 20-foot-wide tree adorned with roughly 5,000 ornaments and bows. The star on top measures 3 feet tall. “I have been watching News Channel 3/Arizona’s Family for as long as I can ever remember, so it was really cool to get to stand on stage with Gibby Parra, say hi to him and also be on the stage when they actually lit the tree,” said 10th grade choir member, Emily Hoaglad. The Concert Choir consists of a group of auditioned high school students at Great Hearts Anthem who want to continue their singing experience beyond what is traditionally offered in the curriculum. “We rehearse three times a week before school and perform in school events as well as other community and Great Hearts events,” explained Music Teacher Karli Anderson. “We work on a variety of difficult repertoire that explores various cultures, languages, styles, and themes.” They were invited to perform back in November. Nine students prepared with multiple additional rehearsals to learn some new carols and harmonies. “We dressed in our festive gear, and sang in front of a large audience,” said Anderson. “For some of our students, it was their first professional gig. They worked hard and were so excited to perform for a festive public. Apart from being a fun performance, it was a wonderful opportunity to show our appreciation to the Anthem community.” Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.
