MCHS Choir interviewed on The South Bay Show: Manhattan Beach 360!
On Friday, December 8th, the co-presidents of the choirs joined Mr. Hayden and Mr. McCormick for a podcast interview on Block Talk Radio’s The South Bay Show: Manhattan Beach 360. The interview focused on Mira Costa Choirs and what it is like to be in choir and what students learn. Our co-presidents were insightful, eloquent, and articulate beyond their years. The interview gives a great look into the Mira Costa Choirs. If you want to hear it, click on the following link: https://www.southbaybyjackie.com/the-south-bay-show-manhattan-beach-360.php Our students did us proud!
Vocal Ensemble sings at RE/MAX Holiday Party
The night of December 8th, 9 singers from Vocal Ensemble sang for the local RE/MAX holiday party. The students sang a variety of carols for the party, and the guests were thoroughly entertained. This not only was a fun night for the realtors of RE/MAX, but also for our singers. Great job, students!
1st Annual Choir Mattress Fundraiser a Big Success
On Saturday, Dec. 9th, the Mira Costa Choir Department hosted a very successful, one of a kind, fundraising event which was selling brand new, brand name mattresses! With savings of up to 50% off the retail price, the sale drew South Bay residents and members of other local communities to the Costa cafeteria-turned-mobile showroom. Customers were also treated to a special performance of holiday carols by Mira Costa Choir’s Vocal Ensemble. After a busy day of mattress sales, the fundraiser earned $4,500 for the choir department. Thank you to all the students who helped get the word out about the fundraiser, and to all the parents, families, and friends who purchased mattresses. With such a great response to the sale, the choir department is looking forward to turning the mattress sale fundraiser into an annual event.
Vocal Ensemble Performs Holiday Carols in Downtown Manhattan Beach
On Saturday, Dec. 9th, Vocal Ensemble students participated in their annual caroling event in downtown Manhattan Beach. The afternoon began with VE singing for a crowd gathered at the Metlox Plaza. Then, breaking into smaller caroling groups, the students strolled the streets of downtown MB singing for local businesses and their customers. One group also caroled for a group of firefighters gathered at the MB Fire Department. The day ended with all caroling groups reuniting at Metlox Plaza for a final round of holiday songs. Many thanks to the City of Manhattan Beach for partnering with the Costa Choir Department to bring such festive holiday caroling to the firemen, business owners, and customers of downtown Manhattan Beach, and for their generous donation to the choir department. And thank you to the parent chaperones for assisting, and to the Vocal Ensemble students for, once again, performing so beautifully. A wonderful time was had by all!
Advanced Women’s Chorale and Vocal Ensemble Sing at Neptunian Women’s Club Luncheon
On Wednesday, December 13th, the Advanced Women’s Chorale and Vocal Ensemble sang for the annual Neptunian Women’s Club holiday luncheon. We have sung for this event now for 10 years! Both choirs sang music they prepared for this year’s winter concert. As usual, the Neptunian Women’s Club was thrilled with their performance. The Choir always closes the performance with their special version of Silent Night, which leaves so many in tears. Congratulations to both choirs on the exceptional performance.
Mira Costa Choirs Winter Concert Performed to Largest Audience To Date
Friday, December 15th, was the annual winter concert, This Shining Night, in the Mira Costa Auditorium. All six choirs were hard at work this semester preparing a large variety of repertoire, spanning from the 10th century through gospel. After much rehearsal, the choirs presented an exceptional evening of choral singing. With over 1,000 in attendance, the audience cheered, cried, laughed, and listened intently to all of the amazing performances. We could not be prouder of the Mira Costa Choirs and their unforgettable performance of This Shining Night.
Performance for City Council
For the last performance of the holiday season, Vocal Ensemble performed for the Manhattan Beach City Council on Tuesday evening, Dec. 19th. At the request of the mayor, they performed their signature winter concert piece, Silent Night, a cappella and with sign language. The selection speaks to the season as no other piece does, and the choir was happy to give this gift to the city. Happy Holidays to everyone!
Choir Department Holiday Donation Efforts Help Families in Need
Thank you to all the Mira Costa families and friends who donated new, unwrapped toys, books, and stuffed animals to the Choir Department’s annual toy drive. Collection boxes were set up in the school front office, choir and orchestra rooms, and also at the choir winter concert on December 15th. Donated items will go to PATH Gramercy, a division of PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), a non-profit organization benefitting young, single-parent families with children age 0-5.
The Choir Department also held a specialized donation drive to help a family in need. Choir students and parents contributed cash, checks, and gift cards, and we also received donations from the Costa Drama Department. Thank you very much to everyone who contributed to this effort. We are so fortunate to be part of a wonderful community of thoughtful and involved parents and amazingly talented students, and we thank everyone for their compassion and generosity.