Brightening Up Spirits this Holiday Season

written by LLS • December 4, 2009 Leave a Comment 

ALAMEDA– St. Leo the Great’s gospel choir helped brighten up the spirits of senior citizens at the Alameda Care Center during the annual tree lighting ceremony tonight in Alameda.

The students in the choir, along with music teacher Mrs. Janice Reid, performed a variety of songs from traditional classics to modern hits, and of course, gospel tunes.

Shirley Ma, director of the center, said that they make a reservation with the choir every year and do it early to ensure their availability.

This is the sixth year that the group has been invited to perform at the center’s Christmas celebration. So, how did the school’s choir get the job?

Marie Martinez, activities coordinator for the center, told us that her grandson goes to church at St. Leo’s and heard about the choir and how great they were.

The Christmas caroling at the Alameda Care Center is just one of many places St. Leo’s choir goes to visit. According to Mrs. Reid, this is part of the choir’s music outreach program.

Later this year, they will make a stopover at Piedmont Gardens and Monarch Place, two senior centers in Oakland.

“They’re a real good example to the community,” Martinez said during the interview. After the choir’s performance, she told the center’s residents, “They get better and better every year!”

From Staff Reports
News Team / THE LION LEDGER