For many years, Antioch Community High School has hosted Holiday Cafe as a fundraiser for the fine arts department and entertainment for the community. This year, a new name, new location and new traditions will re-shape the winter program taking place Dec. 14 and 15.

The changes have been made to accommodate parents and students during the busy “trip year.” A trip year is every other year when the fine arts department takes a group vacation during spring break to perform, learn, and have fun. This year, the students are headed to New York in March. For now, however, the focus is on this winter event.

“It’s kind of like a variety show,” said orchestra director Michael Riggs. “It’s a chance for us to celebrate all the holidays, and it allows people to perform who might not otherwise get a chance to.”

Holiday Lights, as the new program is called, involves performances from the band, orchestra, and drama students just like Holiday Cafe. This year, the entire student body was invited to try out. Auditions were held Monday, Nov. 18 after school.

Choir director Trey Hickey said, “We’ll have people singing, we’ll have people playing instruments, we’ll have comedic acts, and Mr. G’s [Arnold Glapajone] band is playing.”
As suggested by the name, the concert features songs from may different winter holidays, like Christmas and Hanukkah. Pieces may also be simply winter-themed like ¨Amid the Falling Snow.”

“It’s [‘Amid the Falling Snow’] got orchestra and choir, so we’re going to combine them because orchestra’s new,” said Hickey. Other songs promote peace, like ¨Hope for Resolution” sung by choir students.

In years past, Holiday Cafe has been a festively decorated event that took place in ACHS’ cafeteria, albeit somewhat crowded with tables and stages. For Holiday Lights, the concert will be moved to the auditorium, allowing the entire choir, band, and orchestra to perform together. There will also be more space for the audience, along with a better lighting and sound system.

For the students and parents who volunteer at the event, Holiday Lights will also require much less preparation in regards to decorating and food preparation. The food will all be donated, helping to lower the ticket cost by more than half.

“[In these economic times,] we want to be conscious of our community as well,” said Teddy. The money raised by Holiday Lights and Holiday Cafe goes straight into the AMPS general fund, where it is then used to help cover costs for summer camps, food for late practices, new equipment, and other such expenses.

During Holiday Cafe, finger food is served during the performances by students. At the new Holiday Lights, food will still be offered, but only after the concert in the commons to allow patrons to eat and talk freely. Jazz Band, Jazz Choir, and Madrigal Choir will also be performing in the commons.

To reserve your seat at Holiday Lights, contact fine arts department chair Wanda Teddy by phone at (847) 838-7161 or by email at [email protected]. Shows are at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.