It was quite cold outside, but there was a lot of warmth in Wantagh’s three elementary schools on Dec. 12 as music students from high school performed holiday songs for their younger peers.

More than 40 band, chorus and orchestra students boarded a bus and made their first stop at Mandalay Elementary School. After serenading Forest Lake students, they had a well-deserved lunch before putting a bow on their day at Wantagh Elementary School. Each performance was about 45 minutes and included a variety of well-known Christmas, Hanukkah and winter songs. 

Kelly Jones, director of fine and performing arts, said this has been a tradition for the past few years and one that students of all ages enjoy. The Wantagh High School musicians especially look forward to going back to their former elementary schools and sharing their talents.

“They love coming to the schools and showing the kids something they’ll be able to do someday,” Ms. Jones said. 

The band was led by Chris Cockren, the chorus by Sameerah Cassidy and the orchestra by Eliza Della Monica. High school students dressed up in festive gear such as ugly sweaters and Santa hats.

Senior Elizabeth Kirchner, who plays the violin and is student president of the orchestra, participated in the traveling holiday concert for the third time. A violinist since age 7, even before she joined the orchestra at Forest Lake, she sees the value in performances like this that can spark interest in music among younger children. 

“I like the festivity of it,” Elizabeth said of the holiday music showcase. “They all know the words to the songs. Seeing the kids’ faces light up is so heartwarming.”

Ninth grader Adrian De Chavez, who both sang in the chorus and played the viola with the orchestra, was a newcomer to the holiday performance.

“I like that we get to spread holiday cheer,” he said, “and in doing that, we can promote our music program.”