Elementary school choir spreads cheer at airport

By Steffanie Costigan - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on December 20, 2023.

Herald photo by Steffanie Costigan A Grade 5 choir from Nicholas Sheran Elementary School performs Christmas carols for travellers on Tuesday afternoon at the Lethbridge airport.

A local elementary school choir spread some Christmas cheer at the Lethbridge airport Tuesday afternoon for people coming home for the holidays.

A Grade 5 choir group at Nicholas Sheran Elementary School had the opportunity to sing many Christmas carols at the airport which saw individuals returning home standing by to enjoy the singing.

Nicholas Sheran Elementary School music teacher Owen Sheedy said the choir looks for any opportunities to perform around the city.

“We were really honoured to have the City of Lethbridge ask us to come share some carols here,” said Sheedy.

Sheedy said the school choir has approximately 80 students, however given the space at the airport they were not able to fit in everyone, so they only had the Grade 5’s perform.

He said the choir puts in a lot of hard work in order to perform.

It performed with the Lethbridge symphony at their kids’ choirs’ concert in November, and then at a school assembly.

“We’ve been working on these carols for about three practices and it’s a great opportunity to get out here.”

Sheedy said hearing the children sing brings joy to everyone.

“I think there’s something special about music and singing together. And that’s one of the things we really missed in our society over COVID.

“Just to bring it back and there’s nothing like hearing kids voices singing together, it puts a smile on everyone’s face. And you just wanted to join right in. It makes me happy, makes the travellers happy. And the kids love it as well,” he said.

Sheedy said they are able to share their values from Nicholas Sheran through performances and are grateful for the opportunities.

“I just think it’s an awesome opportunity for us to live out our school values; we’ve got our values of responsibility and compassion and resilience and responsibility.”

He said it’s nice for the kids to give back to the community.

“It’s just awesome for us… in a practical way, get out into the community and give back, work together, collaborate to make some music and put some smiles on people’s faces,” said Sheedy.

About 25 children took part in Tuesday’s performance at the airport.

Sheedy said many have sung in the choir since Grade 1.

“I can’t wait to see where they go next year in middle school,” he said.

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