Chisago Lakes Baptist school students rang in the Christmas season December 7th with a program entitled, “The Colors of Christmas.” The concert began with the fourth grade Beginning Band playing three selections, followed by the fifth grade Junior Band playing two songs. The sixth graders through twelfth graders comprise the High School Band, which began by playing “White Christmas.” One of the highlights of the evening was the performance of “Bugler’s Holiday.” Trumpeters Quinten Bennett, Seth Elliott and Oscar Neilson, and clarinet player Christopher Chen wowed the audience with their performance. Listeners were also treated to a fun vocal performance of the same song during the offertory. The High School Band then transitioned to “Blue Christmas” and finished their part of the concert with “Let it snow” Let it snow” Let it snow!”

The second portion of the program began with the four year old preschool class playing “Ring the Bells” on melody bells and singing “We Will Ring the Bells for Jesus,” followed by the kindergarten class singing two songs. First and second graders donned sheep and cow headbands to perform “The Friendly Beasts,” while third and fourth grades, and fifth and sixth grades each performed two selections.

The Junior High Choir performed a skit called “Singing in the Rain” complete with umbrellas and sound effects, as well as the song “Manger Carols.” Another highlight of the evening was the stunning a cappella performance of “Silent Night,” sung by the high school guys, arranged by CLBS music director Chris Young. The High School Choir sang “Variations on Jingle Bells,” “It Was Enough,” and “At the Cross”. The entire student body joined in for the finale, “Christmas Time.”

A pie social, hosted by the junior and senior classes followed the program. For years the CLBS band has used band tour to minister through music to schools and communities outside the local area, but last year and this year they are presenting their concert at local senior care facilities whose residents have been delighted with their music as well as their interaction with students.