JANUARY 6, 2023

On the evening of December 8, Lower School families poured into the Church of the Heavenly Rest excited for an evening of song and joy. This year’s Lower School Winter Concert was a long-awaited event; for three years, Nightingale Lower Schoolers were not able to come together for this magical night, but finally, on this night, they did.

Even before the singing began, the room hummed with anticipation. Families found their seats, greeting one another and connecting with others in their child’s class, exchanging smiles and excited conversation. The venue hosted a full house of parents, Nighthawk siblings, grandparents, and professional community members. Kindergarten students through Class IV students had been preparing for this night for weeks leading up to the event.

The room grew quiet when Head of School Paul A. Burke began his introduction, explaining Nightingale’s “Magical Night Recipe” which is made up of ingredients: “Number one, 25 rows of spectators made up of parents, friends, teachers and family members. Number two, approximately 30 Lower School teachers and staff. Number three, a handful of exceptional music teachers and one brilliant accompanist. And number four, our most important ingredient, five grades of Nightingale’s Lower School students.”

Class IV students filed in to the tune of “Let it Snow”, followed by Class III, Class II, Class I, and finally, Kindergarten.

Kicking off the evening, Kindergarteners sang “You Sing a Song” by Ella Jenkins and the Jewish Folk Song, “Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah.” Class I sang a Japanese children’s song titled “Yuki” by Lois Brownsey and Marti Lunn Lantz, followed by a song written by Ms. Alexander, “I Built a Snowman.” Next, all Lower School students joined together to sing “It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Edward Pola and George Wyle. Class III sang “Burn Little Candle” by Elizabeth Gilpatrik and the fan-favorite “My Favorite Things" by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Class III performed a song titled “Winter Time" written by Ms. Spiridellis, as well as “Holly, Ivy, and Evergreen” by Teresa Jennings. Lower School students came together in song once again to perform “Shalom Chaverim.”

Before the evening came to a close, Class IV surprised community members with a dance in the aisles of the Church, performing “Troika,” a traditional Russian dance in groups of three. Following the dance, students sang “Dreams of Harmony” by Joanne Hammil, “Bring on the Snow” by Ms. Alexander with rhythm by Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman, and “Let it Snow.”