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Hilltoppers travel the world for the holidays
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Second-grade students at Hilltop Elementary School donned sombreros and played the maracas while singing “The Pinata Song” during the annual Holidays Around the World program Dec. 20.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Second-grade students at Hilltop Elementary School took their families, friends and fellow Hilltoppers on a tour around the world Dec. 20 during the annual Holidays Around the World program.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.A second-grade student performed a solo during “The Friendly Beasts,” of Southern Europe, during Hilltop Elementary School’s annual Holidays Around the World program Dec. 20.
By ABBY SLANKER
Hilltop Elementary School second-grade students treated their families, friends and fellow Hilltoppers to a tour around the world Dec. 20.
The students presented the school’s annual ‘Holidays Around the World’ to an audience which filled the multi-purpose room. The students were led by Tom Scurich, Hilltop music teacher, and were accompanied by Roni Sue Gregory on the piano and Nanette Midgley on the guitar.
In a sea of red and green, sparkles, glitter and bows, the students entered the gym singing “Joy to the World” and, throughout the program, performed the songs “O Christmas Tree,” of Germany, “O Come, Little Children,” of Scandinavia, “The Friendly Beasts,” of Southern Europe, “Christmas Lullaby,” of Eastern Europe, “Deck the Halls,” of Great Britain, “O Hanukkah,” of Israel and Jewish Nation, “The Pinata Song,” of Mexico, “Harambee,” African-American, “Up on the Housetop/Jolly Old St. Nicholas”, of America and “We Are The Family” by Ray Repp.
Each song represented its country of origin and between numbers, students read the holiday traditions of the countries highlighted. For example, before singing “O Christmas Tree,” a student noted that Germany was the first country to have the Christmas tree.
Before singing “Up on the Housetop/Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” a student noted that America has the most celebrations, traditions and beliefs because it is made up of people from all over the world.
During several songs, the students broke into small groups to act out a country’s holiday tradition or to dance to the song. A number of students sang solo parts of “The Friendly Beasts” while dressed in costume and while singing “The Pinata Song,” students donned sombreros and played the maracas.
“Thank you for being here to support our students,” said Scurich, addressing the audience. “The second-graders put a lot of work into rehearsals and we hope you have enjoyed our show.”