Preschool classes at the high school are performing a free Christmas show to get ready for the holiday season on December 19 and 20 for parents and students to attend.
Child Development classes and the preschool students will perform holiday songs to showcase their talent in the Performing Arts Center, the week before winter break. Anyone can attend, including students who have periods two through four free.
The preparation going into the show starts weeks before the performance. The kids learn to sing songs, such as “Frosty the Snowman.” The children will perform the shows dressed as reindeer.
“I just thought it would be a fun thing for the parents to see how the kids interact with each other,” Rosemary Caparelli, preschool teacher, said. “The parents never actually get to see the kids do anything, so I thought a Christmas show would be fun.”
The same show has been going on for 10 years, according to Caparelli, but some things have changed over the years. A few years ago, Dan Strickler, wrestling coach, started dressing up as Santa Clause and coming in at the end of the show. He brings presents for the kids, such as coloring books, bubbles, or puzzles.
“It’s a lot of work but a lot of fun,” Caparelli said, “and if anyone has the chance to come see it, then they should come.”
The Child Development students help teach the preschoolers all of the songs that they need to sing.
“It’s a pretty smooth process,” Claire Donahue, junior, said. “Mrs. Caparelli has been doing this for a really long time, so she knows what works and what doesn’t.”
There are no set times in class to rehearse, according to Donahue. Instead, the rehearsal process all depends on how the preschoolers are feeling that particular day. Some of the preschoolers are ready to go all most all the time with a positive attitude.
“My favorite part is to sing the Santa Clause song,” Brianna Barnett, preschool student, said.
Not only is Barnett looking forward to the show, but so are the rest of the preschoolers and other people involved.
“You never know what three or four year olds are going to do.” Caparelli said. “You always have the one who is a real singer and is excited, and then the one kid who is dumbfounded and stares.”