Shirley Christmas Concert

Shirley Music Department

If you were at the Shirley Auditorium on December 14, then you were in for a treat as students fourth through twelfth grade performed their annual Christmas concert.  The Elementary school Children’s Choir which also performed with the United Methodist Church Choir in Fairfield Bay the night before, the High School Choir, and the High School Band each performed their hearts out to all in attendance.  Music students at Shirley have been busy this semester working with new music director Vincent Biondi.  “It’s been a very successful semester for us” says Biondi.  “There is a lot of life and spirit with our kids.  I’m expecting high standards, but they’re having a lot of fun out there.”

Even though the music hall will be quiet for a couple of weeks while the students take time off for Christmas, senior Jennifer Wagner will be practicing her flute daily as she prepares for senior high all-region tryouts in January and college auditions not long following that.  “Successfully everyday!” says Jennifer. “I want to improve and not lose the chances to progress.”

“I cannot be happier for our kids” says Biondi.  “The crowd was wonderful.  The administrators, students, parents, so many people were there to support us.  I had compliments from many students not even a part of our music department.”  One step up an endless flight of stairs is how Biondi sees the progress.  “How much we achieve is totally up the students.  They are responsible for their success in life.  We have bigger and better things planned for the spring, and I’m positive the students will be up to the challenges.”