Listen To Concert Clips
The Charlotte Amalie High School’s Music Department delivered a spectacular performance as they ushered in the holiday season with their annual concert “A Motown Christmas” on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 in the school’s auditorium.
The celebration of Motown music saw a delightful combination of Christmas carols and classic 70’s R&B, soul and jazz tunes. The 2-1/5 hour long production opened with greetings by CAHS’s very own “Don Ger-V Larocqornelius” of Soul Train as the auditorium was filled to capacity. Donned in festive gold tuxedos, the Ripples on the Lake chorale performed the first hit of the night by the Temptations, “Get Ready,” backed by the concert band.
The steel ensemble entertained the crowd with an up-beat rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Santa Clause is Coming to Town.” The young men of the Ripples held down the first half of the show, performing remarkable covers of everyone’s Christmas favorites, to include “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “Someday at Christmas Time,” and “Give Love on Christmas Day.”
Part two of the production opened with a theatrical performance of the motion-picture Dreamgirls self-titled hit by the Swans on the Lake, under the direction of G. Michael Lake. The girls wore floor-length gold dressed, which resonated with the theme of the evening. The Swans then flawlessly executed an a capella harmony of The Shirelle’s “Chapel of Love.” The Swan ladies also serenaded music-lovers with renditions of “Mr. Postman” and “Mama Said” by the famed girl groups the Shirelles and the Marvelettes.
In the true spirit of Motown melodies, the Ripples once again channeled their inner Temptations and heartily performed “My Girl.” The CAHS dancers and flag girls followed with a routine backed by their marching band.
The highlight of the evening was a praise-worthy performance of “Midnight Train to Georgia,” soloed by Kennifer Edwards. The song was originally sung by Gladys and the Pips. The sensational performance received a standing ovation.
Marking the end of the production, Don Ger V, led the cast and audience members into a live soul train on stage. “A Motown Christmas” closed out with the full cast singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
In awe of the entire production, CAHS Principal Edwards expressed his excitement. “You would never have thought that we went through 2 hurricanes recently,” he said. “This took me all the way back. This was awesome, I’m so proud.”
CAHS Music Department chair Luben Daniel echoed Principal Edwards’ sentiments and was pleased with the performances. “This concept was brewing since our Spring concert and through the difficulties associated with the hurricane and double-session schedule, we knew we had to put on a show for the people,” stated Daniel. “I have to give it to everyone who was a part of the production: the students, music faculty, the administrators, band boosters and parents. It was well put together.”
When asked how he felt about the outcome, Daniel stated that he was, “incredibly proud.”
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