Janet Kershner, Norwood-Fontbonne Academy Music director, gathers with a few of her young recorder students (from left):, fourth-grade musicians Jack Clark (Chestnut Hill), Justin Eney (Lafayette Hill), Matthew Cohen (Lower Gwynedd), Campbell Donovan (Mt. Airy), Olivia Forti (Chestnut Hill), and Eryn Dennis (Roxborough) prepare for their Christmas Concert performance held on Dec. 11 in the Academy’s Fontbonne Commons. (Photo courtesy of Terri Hutsell)[/caption]

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, Norwood-Fontbonne Academy highlighted the musical and vocal talents of students from third through eighth grade at its third annual Christmas Concert. It was a delightful evening of holiday cheer showcasing the school’s commitment to providing outstanding vocal and instrumental instruction as well as opportunities for performance and showmanship.

The school’s band, under the direction of John Spangenburg, opened the evening with a joyous medley of beloved Christmas songs. Next up, third and fourth graders, on recorders, filled the room with several traditional and contemporary tunes.

The NFA Chorale delighted the crowd with “We Need a Little Christmas” and “Two Noels,” which was a reprise of their recent debut performance at the Chestnut Hill Holiday Tree lighting.

Vocal performances continued as the fifth and sixth grade chorus groups presented holiday tunes from age-old favorites. NFA’s fifth grade chorus was recently selected as one of nine semi-finalists in the B101 Christmas Choir Competition for its rendition of “Minka,” a lively Russian Christmas folk song, which they performed much to the delight of the audience.

“The students have been learning and rehearsing since October to bring you (parents and guests) their gift of song and music tonight,” said Janet Kershner, director of NFA’s music program. The evening concluded with a candlelit sing-along of “Joy to the World” accompanied by Mrs. Kershner on the piano.