The Anatomy of an OLA Christmas Program

Believe it or not, this year will mark  my 14th Christmas program at OLA.  I can't believe it sometimes, 14 years!!!   That's a lot of songs and 13 original concepts and stories.  Yes, ORIGINAL.   I can't think of a time when I used a "canned" Christmas program.  However, I can say that I've taken elements of stories and created my own program.  Also, it's rare that I recycle songs through out the years.  I have, though.

How do these programs come about? 

First, I come up with a concept, an idea, a story or whatever.  Next, I try and find the best possible song for the END of the program.  The tear-jerker, the one that will light the Christmas tree in your heart and send you off ready for the Christmas season.  This is my favorite part of the process.  There have been some great songs to fit this category.   Some, however have made more than one appearance.  This year, I believe this might be the third time we will use "When a Child is Born" as the final song.  It might be my favorite Christmas Song ever because of this arrangement of this song

Once I choose the final song and the concept.  I come up with a song for each class to be featured.  That's 8 songs as K-1 sing together.  Then I come up with an opening medley and decide whether or not we will have a procession in.  Mrs. McMorrow likes a procession to start the program, so most likely this year will begin with some sort of procession.  Then I try and choose a few group songs for everyone.  

Believe it or not, the script is the last thing to be written.  Often, the script is written the week of the actual program.  It is read by student or several students.  It's the glue that holds the songs together.  

And there you have it  It's not brain surgery, but it does follow some sort of formula.  So far :)

The synopsis of this years program is finished and we've begun a few songs in class.  This next few weeks will see the concept jell a little more and soon, I'll announce the concept to the students.

This week in 6.7.8 - we'll begin our presentations.  Please remember that all presentations must be ready this Friday - both the written portion and the audio portion.  If you student forgets, they will get a 0 for the day and it will be noted on Power School.

Mr. Mattei