The Boothbay Region High School (BRHS) Seahawk Singers ushered in the holiday season with their Winter Chorus Concert, Thursday, Dec. 12, to a crowd of about 40 at Southport Methodist Church. Nine of the chorus’ 13 singers performed nine songs spanning an eclectic range of folk, spiritual and traditional pop favorites, under the direction of Dr. Mary Miller. All State Orchestra (viola) and District Orchestra (violin) sensation Karen Higgins joined the chorus for one song midpoint in the show.

The evening began with a 16th century madrigal, “All Creatures Now are Merry-Minded” first published by Bennet in 1601, designed for varying, multi-singer voices and without instrumental accompaniment, followed by the moody, dark and dramatic “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd,” (Sondheim, 1979, Arr. Beck) brought to life with Miller’s superb piano playing and the chorus’ booming echoes. The song is filled with complex vocal lines, rolling tempos and intricate harmonies, requiring precise delivery to capture the spectral atmosphere of the piece. The two opening songs, juxtaposed to each other, highlighted the team’s vocal range and set expectations for the program that followed.

The three-part-treble-voices-plus-piano formula is a sweet spot for Miller’s choruses and a regular on her concert programs. As such, Jim Papoulis' "Can You Hear" (2011), was brilliantly sung with beautiful tones and an expressive, unforced, bassy solo by Sarah Harris. “The song was written for the children of the world and how we need to take care of them,” said Miller.

Scottish 17th century folk song, “The Water is Wide” (Arr. Wagner) has been popularized by Jewel, Sarah McLachlan and the Indigo Girls and themes on the evolution of love over time. The Seahawk Singers take their place in the tune’s ongoing legacy and popularity. It was followed by the bluesy, spiritual, “City Called Heaven” (Arr. Poelinitz) solo by Sophia Mansfield, who once again impressed audiences with her ability to engage emotionality in a song that calls for guttural sorrow. The traditional British Christmas carol, “The Holly and the Ivy” (Arr. Nygard) from the 19th century energized the holiday-decorated chapel, bringing the audience back to the holiday theme.

Violinist Higgins captivated the crowd with “Christmas Canon” (Pachelbel & O’Neill, 1998, Arr. Beck) accompanied by light piano and the full chorus ensemble. Hannah Hills sang descant for the out-sick Natalie Flagg. Riding on the energy from “Christmas Canon,” the chorus leaped into the pop rhythms of “Watch It Snow” (Tsavdar, 2023) before concluding the concert with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” (Martin & Blane, 1944, Arr. Snyder) featuring a solo by Hills.

Hills, Harris, Flagg and Spencer Pottle are District and All State Chorus members. Mansfield, Rose Campbell, Adaline Barter and Owen Cox are District Chorus members.