Choruses sparkled, bells rang and the spirit of classic Christmas songs filled the Bainbridge High School gym Monday evening at the Decatur County Music Department’s Christmas Celebration Concert.

The concert featured the BHS women’s choral ensemble, the danceline and the colorguard, the chorus and the concert and symphonic bands.

The event kicked off with the Star Spangled Banner

The Concert Band started the evening off with a rendition of Dashing Through the Snow. Based on Jingle Bells, this merry romp takes listeners through the hills and fields as arranger Richard Saucedo used a mixture of meter changes, exciting fanfares, unique harmonic and melodic twists and a sense of joy.

The Concert Band also played Adventum as arranged by James Barnes. A peaceful setting of O Come, O Come Emmanuel contrasts nicely with the colorful and energetic rendition of the Ukrainian Bell Carol that follows. The arrangement then drew to an exciting conclusion against a background of ringing bells.

The Women’s Ensemble put on a holiday pop classic with Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and the Chorus sang a rendition of African Noel. Mike Inlow provided the piano for these pieces.

The Symphonic Band played A Christmas Festival, combining Christmas classics such as “Joy to the World”, “Deck the Halls”, “Hark! The Harold Angels Sing” and many more. The Symphonic Band also played O Holy Night, one of the most well-known and meaningful Christmas Hymns ever written.

The Danceline put on a performance to the bouncy rock ‘n roll Christmas tune Run, Run, Rudolph and the Colorguard waved their flags along to the tune of Jingle Bell Rock.

To close the concert, the Symphonic Band and Chorus came together to perform Selections from the enchanting holiday movie The Polar Express.

More photos can be found online.