We are all given gifts – but real gifts rarely come in boxes with bows tied on top – they come from within. Some people are handy, some are athletic, some are great problem solvers, and some are talented in the art just to elaborate on what a gift truly is...and when those gifts are shared, we all get to celebrate!

This season brings with it the chance to cherish the gifts people bring to us, and this is exactly what Choral Director Olivia Haven and Band Director Stephanie Meir aim to do with their Belleville High School Jazz students through their annual Jazz Holiday Tour. They take the time with their students during the fall to prepare musical works these students can showcase during the holidays, allowing them to take the time to share their talents with the community. It is a tremendous gift to the Belleville Community.

The last week before winter break began for students the Vocal Jazz and Jazz Band performed at the Belleville Elementary School, Belleville Public Library, and Sugar River Senior Center.

Olivia Haven notes, "Going on tour was truly a wonderful experience! Vocal Jazz has been working hard the past three months to prepare six holiday songs, and we were so excited to finally have the opportunity to perform them. We also enjoyed dressing up in holiday gear and spreading cheer to community and family members at each stop. This is one of the students' favorite choir experiences every year, and one of mine too!"

It is also one of Belleville's favorite experiences, as all get to share in the enthusiasm of talents shared beyond the walls of the choir and band rooms at the Belleville High School. Like the Jazz Choral students, the Jazz Band students have been working hard the first few months of school to get ready for this community event. They all look forward to the holiday tour with anticipation and excitement.

Meir emphasizes, "We absolutely love to bring the holiday spirit into the community of Belleville and each stop: the Elementary School, Public Library, and Senior Center were a joy to perform at. As I watched the smiling faces of the Vocal Jazz students and the Jazz Band students during the day, it was evident that the students enjoyed performing and being with each other. Every year when we do our holiday tour it means that winter break is right around the corner and the students are feeling the excitement for that as well."

Stephanie Meir also recognizes that for an event like this to take off, it takes many hands on deck and these folks are the ones that allow Belleville's music performance students to shine.

Meir says, "I would like to thank Kelsey Schmit, Bronna Lehmann, and Maria Lamboley for helping to facilitate our performances at each building, the staff at each location to help prepare the spaces for us, and our administration for allowing us to continue this tradition. I would also like to thank the community of Belleville for their continued support of our music program and musicians. We wish everyone in Belleville a joyful holiday season!"

Photo courtesy of Marie Perry

So, this holiday season, the Belleville Community received a wonderful gift – a present that cannot be contained in a box, but through hard work, planning, and dedication, their talents are honed by two caring teachers and unwrapped for all to hear as they get out to share their gifts with their hometown for all to enjoy. It is a present that will last longer than most, because it delights the senses and is implanted in our hearts and memories for many years to come. It is a wonderful seasonal tradition, and we cannot wait to hear what these young musicians bring to the community next year!