Sound Fx, Xpressions, Axcent, Soundtrax, and Xtreme spiced up the season with four shows, which celebrated Christmas and Hanukkah from the viewpoints of many cultures. “Mela Kalikimaka”, sung by Soundtrax and Xpressions member Kimberly Yata, sent a holiday hello to the audience from Hawaii. Soloist Mario Arias brought in some Christmas cheer from Mexico with “Feliz Navidad”, and Xtreme, Los Al’s men’s choir, celebrated the season according to Nigeria with “Betelehemu”.

After singing classic Christmas carols and worldly melodies, the choirs dedicated a portion of their performance to men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States military. “A Place Called Home”, “All I Want for Christmas”, and other emotion-inspiring songs brought tears to the audience’s eyes as performers displayed pictures of soldiers serving overseas or coming home to their families.

Choir members were quick to lighten the atmosphere with elf- and Santa-themed numbers, a few of which were “Safety Dance”, performed by Xtreme, and “I Want it Now”, by the high school’s beginning women’s ensemble. While crew members arranged the stage for the show’s finale, performers had the audience stand and sing a few Christmas carols. The choir show was finished off with the “Hallelujah” chorus and “Christmas Day”, which included a special appearance from the LAHS string orchestra.

“I’m so proud of my choir family for pulling off such an amazing show,” said Zoe Preall, a member of two choirs and a soloist for “Joyful Joyful”. “It was definitely a lot of work, but getting lost in the energy of the audience in the end was totally worth it. I know it made everyone excited for the holidays, too.”