The Potosi High School band and choir stay especially busy during the holiday season. They play pep band at games, hold their Christmas concert, and help the teachers prepare for elementary concerts, but one of the most important activities they do every year is their Christmas caroling trip.
For more than eight years, the band and choir students have traveled around nearby communities, including Lancaster, Platteville, and Potosi, to share music. They stop at places such as Orchard Manor, Park Place Assisted/Senior Living, Morningside Assisted Living, Peoples’ State Bank, and the Potosi Brewery. Their goal is to spread holiday cheer and brighten people’s day. The band director, Mr. Morley, said, “It is great to perform on home turf to support our local businesses, and I know the assisted living and nursing homes enjoy having us; they even specifically request us!”
The purpose of the trip goes far beyond just singing and playing instruments. Mr. Morley explained, “We do it to spread holiday cheer. But more importantly, to build multi-generational connections between our local communities.” After performing, the students spend about half an hour talking to residents, sharing stories, and getting to know them. “Students get to miss a day of school to make music, spend time together, interact with strangers and friends, and eat food,” Mr. Morley added.
Choir director Mr. Ray agrees that the trip is important. “It’s so important to reach out to our community friends and spread holiday cheer,” he said. He explained that they visit people who may not be able to attend the school concerts. “We make sure they know they are loved, appreciated, and not alone during the holidays.” He also said that everyone they visit enjoys the music: “We even receive thank you notes and other little mentions of appreciation.”
The students prepare for caroling throughout November and December. Mr. Ray said, “We begin suggesting songs for caroling right after Halloween.” The classes spend time choosing their music and then rehearse the songs while also preparing for the Christmas concert. Once the concert is over, they use the following week to focus fully on caroling. Mr. Morley explained that the process doesn’t feel overwhelming because “students prepare caroling tunes alongside our holiday concert music.”
Both directors hope the tradition continues. “Many of our students say it is the highlight of being in HS Band and/or Choir,” Mr. Morley said. Mr. Ray also believes it is worth keeping, adding, “After experiencing it and witnessing how beautiful this shared interaction is, it’s clear that even a small gesture can mean so much to so many.”
For the students, the caroling trip is more than just a break from school. It is a chance to spread holiday cheer, connect with people of all ages, and create meaningful memories; something that feels especially important during the busy holiday season.