Christmas through a Child's Eyes

A guitar ensemble, consisting of, in no particular order, Aaron Burke, Caleb Dunbar, and Cody Howe, perform a set of holiday-themed songs at the Holcomb Christmas Concert. Photo provided

The Holcomb School District band, "The Holcomb Band of Hornets," recently helped set the tone for the holiday season as it presented its annual Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 13.

This year's program, entitled, "Christmas through a Child's Eyes," was put together under the direction of Harold Dunbar, Holcomb band instructor.

Members of the Holcomb Band's woodwinds and percussion sections perform a variety of Christmas songs during the band's "Christmas through a Child's Eyes" concert.

"Christmas is a very special time for a child," Dunbar said. "He or she is excited about the toys and presents Santa will bring, as well as the prospect of snow days, cookies, and other seasonal favorites. It was this spirit of Christmas the Holcomb Band of Hornets captured Sunday, Dec. 13, during their annual Christmas concert."

Dunbar said the performance was "reminiscent of an old fashion variety show," as it opened with a presentation from the Holcomb seventh-grade beginning band.

Following the beginning band, a guitar ensemble, consisting of Aaron Burke, Caleb Dunbar, and Cody Howe, performed a set of holiday-themed numbers.

"Olivia Bolton, an 8-year-old student from Kennett, kicked off the event theme by singing 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus'," Dunbar said, adding that the high school band followed Bolton with "some of the most beloved children Christmas songs," including "Christmas Don't Be Late," sung by the Chipmunks, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and other favorites.

"Each song accompanied a fictional mother and daughter conversation about the excitement of Christmas," Dunbar said. "The role of the mother was performed by Tracy Broglin, while the role of the child was played by Caroline Dunbar.

"Through the wonder of technology provided by Corey Bolton the band was joined by fictional favorites such as the Chipmunks and Santa's reindeer. The spirit of Christmas was provided not only through music, but set decoration provided by Donna Davis.

"The event came to a close with what hopes to be a yearly tradition, the Christmas Tree Lighting. The Tree was lit in stages to the Mel Torme classic, 'The Christmas Song' accompanied by Dennis Nail."

Dunbar said the Holcomb Band of Hornets have had a "tremendous year of success."

"They have participated in several parades this year as well as prepare for the concert season," Dunbar said. "Most recently they competed among five bands at the Caruthersville, Mo., Christmas parade finishing second."