Every year, the Select Ensemble spreads holiday cheer to the families and community of Punxsutawney with Christmas caroling. Due to COVID troubles, however, this year will be different.

Originally – according to Ms. Knepper, director of the Select Ensemble – “[they] were originally going to give a small courtyard performance at the high school for our families as well as walk to the elementary school to hold a courtyard performance for them and carol around the building.” However, with all extracurricular activities recently being canceled due to new COVID restrictions, neither of these performances could be held.

After negotiations with the school principal, the Select Ensemble was able to gather in the auditorium from Activity to 2nd periods on Monday, December 21, to record songs including Christmas Pops Trio; That’s Christmas to Me; Hardrock, Coco, and Joe; Sleigh Ride; and several Christmas carols.

These songs have been made available in a private Google Drive folder that has been shared with Select Ensemble members, the teachers and staff of the elementary school and high school, and the local nursing homes that the Select Ensemble usually goes to when they go caroling.