Camas High School (CHS) students are caroling this winter to celebrate the holidays by gathering in the choir room after school to sing.
Caroling is singing holiday music while going around in neighborhoods and spreading cheer. Or, caroling can take place in high school, where students can practice and have fun with the other club members.
“I love caroling. I’ve done it every year since freshman year,” CHS junior and Caroling Club co-creator Kira Navidi said.
Caroling can be a bridge to connect people through singing holiday songs and connect people to sing with a group outside of the school curriculum. The best thing about the caroling club at CHS is that you have the choice of attending or not.
Another aspect of caroling seen as a point of tension at CHS is that it can be seen as a religious club, as some of the melodies talk about Jesus and reference the religion of Christianity. Some may think they must believe in Christianity to join the caroling club, but the club hardly focuses on faith. Instead, it focuses on singing.
“You don’t need to be a Christian to join the Caroling Club,” said club co-creator and CHS junior Viv Lovell. “We plan to [sing] every Christmas.”
Spreading cheer to strangers is an activity the caroling club tries to do every year.
“We’re going to try to sing at a retirement home and go caroling around the neighborhood,” said Navidi.
An essential part of caroling is having the passion to sing the songs. Singing without passion will lead to the songs sounding dull. Having a passion for singing carols is necessary for spreading cheer.
“I love that there’s an opportunity for students to connect to music they feel passionate about or have connections to in their lives outside of school,” Caroling Club advisor and choir teacher Ethan Chessin said. “I’m delighted to find a way for my students to, outside of the classroom structure, outside of our curriculum, apply the skills they’re learning in choir to music they love.”
Caroling can be a fun hobby for anyone who enjoys singing and likes to spread cheer. The caroling club at CHS does just that, as they meet every Tuesday and Thursday after school to have fun together and ether.
