One of the best parts of the December holiday season has been bringing the gift of music to our local communities through public performances and special events.

For many years, MVA has been invited to be part of Tewksbury’s tree lighting ceremony, held just outside the doors of the town hall. We perform holiday carols, showcase some of the quartets who are affiliated with our chorus, and lead the audience in a singalong. Just before Santa arrives to light the tree on the common, dozens of Girl Scouts of all ages join us on the steps to sing a medley of songs.

Every rehearsal since our fabulous retreat with coach Kim Wonders has been intense — but fun — as we work toward our regional contest in May. There will be two “firsts” for that occasion: competing virtually by submitting a video (optional during the pandemic) and competing in the Open Division category. Open Division means that in no more than ten minutes we will perform a skit that includes three songs (not the traditional two), some spoken lines, and the use of props. The Open Division submission will be scored differently than a traditional package.

I’m not really a Conehead, but I played one at MVA Chorus’ weekend retreat this year.

That’s just the most recent in a series of characters I’ve morphed into during my 12 years with the chorus. We often prepare skits, by voice section, for our retreats and they are part of a themed dinner party.