The Visual and Performing Arts Department of Wiscasset Schools presented the Winter Gathering of the Arts Dec. 15 at Wiscasset Middle High School.

Families were first invited to enjoy the display of artwork created by students in grades 4-12. A concert followed, featuring performances by the Wiscasset Middle High School Concert Band, the Wiscasset Middle High School Chorus, and the Wiscasset Holiday Chorus, which consisted of students in grades 4-12.

The band opened its performance with one of its favorites, "Star Wars," followed by "Holiday Rock," "Modal Song and Dance" and "Call to Heroes" (which honored service personnel from Sept. 11).

The band concluded with an impressive rendition of "Tempest," which the students played with enthusiasm and pride.

The choral portion of the concert featured the WMHS Chorus performing "Believe" from Polar Express, followed by "A Pocket Full of Sunshine." The Wiscasset Holiday Chorus then performed several holiday pieces. They opened with "Sing For Joy!," featuring a small quartet performed by Olive Ackerman, Abigail Helstrom, Fianna Oakes and Kagome Ordung. Other selections included "Jingle Bell Jazz," "A Hot Cup of Cocoa," "Golden Ribbons, Silver Bows," "Dreidl, Spin!," "Snow is Falling Still," and "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas." They concluded with a piece using boomwhackers called "Whacky Old St. Nicholas," followed by "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Students enjoyed spreading holiday cheer by sharing their festive music for the season.

Congratulations to all the Wiscasset student artists and musicians for all of your hard work on this event!

Thank you to the Wiscasset community for your continued support of the arts!