Third through fifth grade students from Hyde-Addison, Key, Stoddert, Hearst and Ross elementary schools joined together at the Fillmore Arts Center for a winter concert Dec. 13. Principal Katherine Latterner welcomed parents and said she was "overwhelmed" by the number of student performers this year. The winter concert featured Christmas songs performed by the strings ensemble, band and chorus.

Latterner reminded parents that "many of these students picked up an instrument for the first time a few weeks ago." 

The strings, directed by Denna Purdie, included both Fillmore and Hardy Middle School students. They performed "Jolly Old St. Nicholas," "Jingle Bells," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" much to the delight of parents and family members in the audience. 

The band, directed by Michael Bowie, performed a Christmas medley, "Deck the Halls and Jingle Bells." Bowie told parents to "sit back, relax" and enjoy the short performance. 

Chorus Director, Anita Carson, welcomed parents, saying "it's been a good year for the music department." She said her students this year were lively and they intended to "have a little fun" with their songs. The chorus sang "Merry Christmas," "Can Santa Make it Through," "Hip Hop Reindeer," and "Who Would Imagine a King." Carson dedicated the funky reindeer hip hop number to Principal Latterner, drawing giggles from children and laughter from parents. 

Students waved at family members from the stage and sat in the audience to enjoy the performance of other musicians. Some snuck up to mom and dad asking, "What's for dinner? Do you have any snacks?" and then ran back to join their classmates. 

Terrence Young's daughter, Zoe Dickerson, is a third grade student at Stoddert Elementary. She played the violin and sang in Monday's performance. Dickerson said "I love it" about the arts program at Fillmore.

Ronina Lyons came to the concert to support her young cousin. Lyons said the "kids did a wonderful job" and she could tell they had practiced hard for the performance. They "learn to be show stoppers" at Fillmore, joked Lyons.