The holiday season always brings about a wide variety of community events to help bring the spirit of the
season out in everyone.
In most schools the arts are an integral part of sharing that spirit.
At every level, bands, orchestras, choirs and art classes prepare holiday themed events and concerts.
This year the Otsego High School Chorale will take their holiday spirit and join with high schools from
other communities in a show of collaboration and sharing.
Defiance High School is opening the doors of its Community Auditorium for a Holiday Choral Festival
featuring the choral music of the four area high school choirs.
After the success of last year’s inaugural event, the DHS Choral Department has invited three other high
school ensembles to share the stage at the Defiance Community Auditorium on Dec. 6 at 3 p.m., sharing
the music of the holiday season and celebrating some of the things that are truly wonderful about our
high school-age students.
The concert will feature the Evergreen High School Chorale under the direction of Kristen Woodard, the
Bryan High School A Cappella Choir under the direction of Ben Lupo, the Otsego High School Chorale under
the direction of Janine Baughman and the Defiance High School A Cappella Choir directed by Eric West.

Each choir will perform a couple of selections on their own and then all the choirs will combine on stage
to perform four songs, each one conducted by one of the high school mentors. The combined ensemble will
have nearly 200 voices on stage.
Each school will also have a small ensemble featured in between the large choirs.
Songs featured will be a variety of traditional holiday favorites, seasonal pieces and Christmas
favorites including "The Spirit of the Season," "Fum, Fum, Fum," "It’s the Most
Wonderful Time of the Year" and "Joy to the World," as the combined numbers.
Tickets for the concert are $5 and are available at the door or by calling 419-782-0284.