The New Berlin West Chamber Singers gathered on Thursday evening (December 19, 2013) to sing for different people in the community. The group started caroling at approximately 5:30 pm at Linden Grove Nursing Home, located on Sunnyslope road in New Berlin. The group performed many holiday classics and added a sing a long with the residents in the home later on.

After leaving the nursing home, the group traveled across town to Mayfair Mall located in Wauwatosa. There, they gathered in the food court and performed for holiday shoppers. They sang from 7:30 pm until approximately 8 pm.

Classics including Deck the Halls, Joy to the World, the First Noel, Silent Night, and many more were performed to perfection. The group also sang several other carols that may be less recognized, however they filled the large, commercial building with joy and warmth. The group finished their performance with the song Carol the Bells. Coincidently, when interviewed, several singers agreed that this was their favorite song to perform.

Overall, the group did carried an impressive performance. In the midst of the many distractions in the open aired area, all singers remained focused and on cue with instruction. The group also did an outstanding job of capturing the audiences’ attention. Whether audience members casually sat and ate food or purposefully planned to attend the event, all audience members were intrigued. This includes a large group of middle school students from the greater Milwaukee area. Nearly 40 students piled into the food court listening attentively to the carols. As one audience member Taylor Harmon said,

“It was a very heartfelt performance. It definitely added to the Christmas spirit!” (Junior at New Berlin West)

Another asset to the groups’ outstanding performance is the age range and development of singers. Members of the prestige choir group range from a substantial mix of Juniors and Seniors, but also a good mix of underclassman as well. One key singer is senior Eli Krause who has been with the group throughout all four years of his high school career.

Overall, the group exceeded expectations in carrying out the schools tradition of caroling within the community. As a whole they brought cheer and great happiness to the people through portraying their remarkable talent. Chamber member Liz Geoffrey said,

“It was nice to see that everyone enjoyed the carol, that’s the best thing about performing.” (Sophomore at New Berlin West)

Senior Emily Stanislawski and Junior Marisa Bernards agreed in that it was a nice feeling to say that the group had done well throughout the night, but even nicer to see that the group as a whole

“Brightened people’s days.”

Aside from tonight’s performances, the group is traveling to a local Pick n’ Save grocery store to carol early Friday morning. The group will also be roaming the halls of New Berlin West Friday afternoon ringing in the holiday spirit!