Winter Program 2024

The Winter Program is beloved by the Collegiate community as a way to bring students in grades K–12 together to celebrate the season before the start of Winter break. This year was no exception.

On December 20, 2024, students, faculty and staff, and families gathered for the Winter Program at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle. As is tradition, the morning began with the rousing song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Edward Pola and George Wyle sung by the boys and the attendees. The Collegiate Orchestra then played “Colors of Home” by Alan Lee Silva. Ms. Brizendine, Head of School, welcomed everyone and read the humorous poem “The Lanyard” by Billy Collins. Then, Grier D. ’30, Reid D. ’31, and Neil K. ’32 shared readings about the theme “Celebration of Light.” The Middle School chorus then sang “White Winter Hymnal” by Robin Pecknold.

Next, Brady Z. ’25 gave a reading in recognition of Hanukkah followed by the song “Oh Hanukkah” by Mordkhe Rivesman, sung by everyone in attendance. Grades 2 and 3 then sang “Wintertime is Here” by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelsohn and “Let it Snow” with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Sammy Cahn. 

Will Leon ’25 then read “Year’s End” by Richard Wibur. The UnDutchables lended their harmonies to “The Christmas Song” by Robert Wells and Mel Tormé followed by the Upper School’s performance of “Carol of the Bells” with music by Mykola Leontovych and words by Peter J. Wilhousky. 

This was followed by the reading “Ring Out Wild Bells” (from “In Memoriam A. H. H.”) by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Grade 4 then sang the Hebrew folk song “Shalom Chaverim” and crowd favorite “Feliz Navidad” while playing their ukuleles. The Collegiate Orchestra and Chorus then played “Candlelight Carol” by John Rutter. 

The adorable students in grades K and 1 then sang “Simple Gifts” by Joseph Brackett and “This Little Light of Mine” by Harry Dixon Loes. 

The program ended with the singing of the carol “Winter Wonderland” by Richard Smith and Felix Bernard. Ms. Brizendine shared a farewell and the postlude was “Joy to the World” by George Frideric Handel. As the students and their families left the church, the first snow of the season greeted them–truly the perfect start to Winter break!