FORT CALHOUN, NEBRASKA (2024 December 19, Thursday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
It was a full house – maybe the fullest house I’ve seen at a Fort Calhoun musical production. The Fort Calhoun Jr/Sr High School Vocal Music Department’s Winter Concert started strong with the Show Choir’s rousing rendition of Mac Huff’s “Badder” and ended with an uplifting “A Rhapsody of Christmas,” a medley of well-known Christmas standards.
Director Samantha Erickson and collaborative pianist Maverick Harrold put together three strong sets of music and performance, the highlights of which included some surprises.

The Show Choir’s version of “Holding Out For a Hero” was a throwback song from the Footloose soundtrack (1984). It was an interesting – and smart – choice for a winter performance because the crowd loved it. Each of the four tunes during the Show Choir section were fun to watch as well as listen to, as the dance moves were well-choreographed and performed. And if you wonder how young folks stay in shape, well, I think we all lost a few pounds watching them work through each step while singing. Very impressive.
The Jr. High Mixed Chorus was, for my money, the star of the show. They were tight, clear, bright, and strong. During the performance of “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch,” one student, Noah Le’s lines – during the middle of the song – brought loud and approving applause. You had to be there. Honestly, an endearing and upbeat moment right in the heart of the evening.
The Concert Choir set started with another surprise: an a cappella performance of “Mary, Did You Know.” Probably the strongest song of the evening. The quality of the voices (which included Mr. Harrold and Ms. Erickson) was top-notch, with harmonies and counterpoint worthy of a standing ovation. The Concert Choir’s “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen,” though, hit an emotional note which was another pinnacle of the evening.
This was a powerful, fun, and engaging evening. Ms. Erickson, Mr. Harrold, and all their students should be proud. It’s rare to say an event like this would be enjoyable beyond the parents who came to see their kids sing and dance. But, as 2024 comes to a close, tonight’s show was one that anyone who loves music – especially Christmas music – would have enjoyed.
I know I did.







