Robert Galbreath photos The PHS Vocal Jazz ensemble performs ‘Jingle Bells.’ Pictured in front, from left, are Ayden Kaderavek, Camilla Scanlon, Kataniya Stevens and Emery Harmon. Pictured in back, from left, are Ellis Kuhn, Tucker Kelly and Travis Donaldson.

The holiday concert season commenced with Pinedale High School’s (PHS) annual Christmas Gala Concert at the Sheppard Auditorium on Monday, Dec. 5. From traditional madrigals and carols to contemporary jazz rhythms, the PHS bands and choirs hit all the right notes in a brilliant showcase of student talent.

Soloists included freshman Rebecca Frankhus singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Rhonda Auradou and Kayla Cary performed an arrangement of the “Ukrainian Bell Carol” on flutes.

Ensembles entailed the PHS Jazz Band, the PHS Vocal Jazz Choir, the Wrangler Chorale and the PHS Concert Band along with the a cappella group, Petrichoral. The choirs and bands invited the audience to join in popular Christmas carols to round out the evening.

Gregory Allen conducted the choirs with Justin Smith at the helm of the bands. Marianne Mrak provided piano accompaniment for the choirs.