Chico is diving headfirst into the winter season with a variety of events to celebrate the holidays. Every year, the Christmas Preview showcases businesses in downtown Chico with a city-wide celebration. Musicians played live music for hours in the afternoon and evening, and shops welcomed people inside as they walked through downtown.
The Children’s Choir of Chico sang at the Bidwell Presbyterian Church from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The singers performed both outside on the steps and inside the sanctuary. At 5:00 p.m., kids ranging from four to twelve sang popular Christmas songs with the help of older singers and choir instructors. After the younger kids performed, Bel Canto and Bella Voce Combined Choir—sung by 8th graders, high schoolers, and adult women—finished off the evening.
After the choir moved inside, other groups of musicians performed outside, including a string group led by music teacher Pamela Kather, and two jazz musicians, Bruce Macmillan and Shigemi Minetaka. After the choir had sung, a woodwind quintet called Quintessential played inside the sanctuary. Hot chocolate and peppermint ice cream were served to the audience.
Susan Tevis, director of the choir, said, “[Christmas Preview] is meant for building community among…people in Chico and the surrounding areas,” adding, “We bring singers and families…so we’re contributing to our own event…but we’re also contributing to the whole big event.”
Other citywide events include the Community Food Drive, which is being held at the Museum of Northern California Art (Monca). Non-perishable food is being accepted until December 12, and all donations contribute to the Chico Food Project, which delivers food to organizations such as the Chico Food Locker and the Salvation Army.
The annual Winter Wonderland concert is being held at PV this year in the CFA. In an interview, choir teacher Ms. Franzetti said, “It’s going to be our Jazz Band and…PV Choir and Chico High Choir… It’s winter themed, so we’ve got some fun jazz music, as well as a variety of different choral pieces ranging from pop and rock to more traditional pieces.” In addition to the music, there will be concessions and booths selling handmade crafts. Ms. Franzetti added, “I think music brings people together, especially during the holiday season with so many songs that everyone recognizes. Hopefully our concert helps to promote that as well.”
There are other holiday events happening at PV as well. The Freshmen Cocoa and Cram on December 9 and 10 was a huge success. From 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., the cafeteria provided hot chocolate while students studied with their friends and received help from older students. According to Mrs. Volk, “The event is a great opportunity for freshmen to study and get ready for their first high school finals.” When asked how students can show school spirit in these upcoming weeks, she said, “Students can always show school spirit by modeling our Viking Committed Expectations of Commitment, Integrity, Respect, Champions, Learning, Excellence,” adding, “Dress up for Spirit Week!”
With the week of December 8–12 being Spirit Week and a holiday rally on the 12th, it is safe to say that PV is getting into the winter spirit. The Angel Tree Donation Drive held by CSF ended recently on December 4.
This winter season is in full swing with performances, schoolwide and citywide events, and preparations for the holidays.
