Since the early 2000’s, the Frenship Middle School band program has planned a Christmas caroling night where students go door-to-door performing classic Christmas tunes.
Frenship Middle School Band Director Kyle Billett said more than 50 students joined in on the fun last weekend.
“To get ready for the event, we passed out music a couple of weeks ago, and every time we had a spare moment in our daily rehearsals, we practiced them as much as we could,” Billett said. “Between these carols and getting prepared for our concert this week, our kids have had a lot of music to work up!”
Billett explained that during the week prior to the caroling event, he went through the neighborhood to deliver notices that would explain their caroling plans. While doing that, he took requests from homes that wanted the group to stop there.
“I received many responses from the residents and mapped out our route with those in mind,” Billett said. “My favorite part of the whole experience was showing up in front of these houses, some filled with people, and sharing the abilities of these students with them in a way that brought them some much needed cheer and positivity.”
Billett said because of COVID, they were unable to continue the tradition last school year, but this year it was bigger than ever.
“For the actual caroling event, we had the most students participate since I started teaching here at FMS,” Billett said. “It was a wonderful turnout, and we even had some FMS Band alums join us as we passed by their houses.”
The band focused on a few carols, “Angels We Have Hear on High,” “Silent Night,” “Jingle Bells,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
“As we went through the neighborhood playing for different houses and street corners, we played different orders of the songs, and even repeated some of the material to change it up a little,” Billett said. “It may not sound like much to work up, but with everything else going on in getting ready for a concert, it was a lot for the kids to balance and still play well.”
Billett said he knows that this event is so important for the students that show up to play, but is also very special to the spectators.
“Our caroling event has an incredible impact,” Billett said. “As people, we all walk through our struggles, many of which can be heavier around the holidays. These students brought a few moments of happiness to many of these residents, some of whom face difficult situations daily. On the flip side, our students gave up a Friday night in a very busy time of the year to serve the Frenship Mesa residents. They learned about community, friendship, and giving, which is truly the most valuable resource to share.”
Billett expressed that he was extremely proud of his students for going out and modeling what being a Frenship Tiger is all about.
“I believe that this event models the Frenship Way, but if I were to choose one aspect in particular, I would choose ‘smile,’” Billett said. “Seeing a pack of 50-plus middle school students herding down a quiet neighborhood street could surely be intimidating for any resident. That said, to watch the smiles on the faces of the neighbors and to hear their cheerful laughter as we played for them was priceless and truly a wonderful experience.”