Caroling is a holiday tradition that has been used in celebrations since the 14th century and today, carols still live on as one of the most iconic representations of holiday spirit. These cheerful songs which are sung in groups are a tradition meant to be shared with friends, family and strangers alike. Carols are now more inclusive as well, with many celebrating holidays such as Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or simply the season of winter being added to the repertoire along with the traditional Christmas ones. At RM, this tradition has been going on for decades. “I’ve been teaching here for 4 years and I believe that it was going on with the teacher before me and the teacher before her as well,” AP Music Theory and Chorus teacher Sidney South said. Led by RM’s two choirs, the tradition offers a wide breadth of musical arrangements led by the students. Sung just before winter break begins, caroling at RM is a consistent way to share the holiday mood all throughout the school and surrounding communities.
The two choirs that participate in caroling are the Madrigals, affectionately known as “Mads” to RM’s chorus community and Advanced Treble/Harmonia. They both receive song packets in class and learn dozens for the holiday season from a compilation of well-known favorites to an Estonian folk song. Although some pieces are different, there is overlap, especially with the more traditional holiday music sung around the school.
Despite the wide variety, many of the carols are still easily recognizable.. “[We sing] pretty much like any carol that you know. Some religious ones, but also some fun ones that most people know,” sophomore and Harmonia member Rey Landoll said. “Childhood Christmas Favorites is a tradition we do every year,” senior Madrigals member Natalie Morrison said. This compilation includes “Frosty the Snowman,” “Rudolph” and other nostalgic classics.
The day before winter break begins, you can see the carolers in the halls, moving from classroom to classroom and surprising students with a performance. “When we go caroling, we’re allowed to pick whatever songs we want to do out of all the ones we know,” Landoll said. Therefore, you may get a different assortment each class period. Groups of students go around the school, singing their chosen selection before moving on to the next area. This is a highlight for the students due to the independence it offers and the shared enjoyment it brings. Make sure to thank the carolers for their hard work and spirit when they make their stops in your classrooms soon and enjoy the cheer they work hard to bring to our school and community.
Outside of the school day, the choirs also sing to surrounding Rockville areas. This task is mainly designated to the higher level group mainly composed of upperclassmen, the Madrigals, but Harmonia also participates in some opportunities to sing at events such as holiday markets.. “We do a lot of memory care facilities and I really enjoy doing that,” Morrison said. “It’s amazing to see the impact that this has on the members of our community. I think it’s really cool for them to also get to connect with community members that they might not usually connect with and to share their music with them,” Mrs. South added.
