Those of us who missed NDA’s student choir concert lost a chance to hear talented musicians and singers singing a variety of Christmas songs ranging from a famous Justin Bieber hit to “We Three Kings.”

On December 17, beginning at 6:45, NDA hosted its annual Christmas band and choir performance. Joining the NDA choir was the woodwind choir as well as The Academy’s very own symphonic band, brass choir and wind ensemble.

The students involved in choir had been working for over a month on their selections, which even included “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber. The band line-up was equally as diverse with songs such as “The Winter’s Night” and “First Noel.”

“I had a lot of fun at the concert,” freshman performer Ciara VanDreese said. “It was cool to see how it all turned out after working on the songs for so long.”

VanDreese hopes to take choir in the future. “I like how the class has a lot of people from different grades, it’s fun to be around the older kids.”

Cole Whatley, a freshman trombone player, agrees. “I really liked the outcome of the concert. Everything just fell into place at the right time.”

The singers ranged from solos, duets and ensemble songs. One of the highlights of the evening was “Mistletoe,” a favored Justin Bieber song. “I think ‘Mistletoe’ was my favorite piece. I was so nervous but it turned out great,” confessed Maya Abujamra, a freshman soloist. “We worked so hard on it in class. I knew it would be a big hit.”

“The concert was very fun and is guaranteed to put people in a holiday spirit,” said Mrs. Christine Salerno, choir director.

Salerno encourages people to join one of the NDA music programs to be able to get involved in fun events like this.