By Mark Ambrogi
Former Carmel High School choral director Ann Conrad had a good feeling that Holiday Spectacular would be a success.
“The community embraced it from the beginning, and we thought it was a great way to get kids involved in a concert that wasn’t just a concert but a little more elaborate,” said Conrad, who retired in 2014. “I’m proud of that being part of my legacy to be involved with that creative team.”
The Holiday Spectacular celebrates its 25th anniversary this year with performances at 7 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 3 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 3-4 at the CHS auditorium.
Conrad, who was co-director with Ron Hellems (now a Ball State instructor), said they had a holiday show with the Ambassadors a few years before with costumes and a theme.
“We thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if we could augment it and include all the choirs?’” Conrad said. “The school was smaller with three grades then. It was not nearly the undertaking it is now. I remember we would like to put them all in the same dress for the finale, and I think there were 90 girls in the department. That barely covers the freshman choir now.”
Kathrine Kouns, director of choirs, said when she came to CHS, she was well aware of the Holiday Spectacular’s tradition.
“Over the years, it has become a tradition for people all across Indiana to enjoy as they kick off their holiday season. The show has grown in spectacle and always features hundreds of students, thousands of costumes, fantastic sets, amazing fun and inspirational music, and always a visit from Santa himself,” Kouns said. “It is a family friendly show for all ages, and the Carmel students have as much fun putting it on as the audience has watching it.”
The 2016 theme is “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” showing music from around the world.
“After showcasing all of our differences, we will end the show by coming together and realizing our common bonds.” Kouns said. “No matter what you celebrate, or where you live, this is a time of year to focus on universal commonalities such as the love of family, the desire for peace, the gift of generosity and the hope for miracles.”
During the Holiday Spectacular shows, the choir department will sponsor the Backpack Program, benefitting Carmel Clay Schools families. Food, monetary gifts (cash or checks) and gift cards will be collected.
For tickets, visit ticketracker.com.
