For nearly 30 years, members of the St. Catherine Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Morgan Hill, have joined efforts in bringing together their communities through the South Valley’s annual Community Christmas Concert.
Four years ago, using the model of the Morgan Hill community concert as a point of reference, combined with her extensive experience as a performer and teacher, concert director Amy Oelrich, along with Elaine Kovanda and Tonia Sunseri of the LDS church, have been working on the concert. This year they joined forces with Joe Ostenson. Elaine Kovanda organized and added to the committee Michelle Perry, David Baumgartner, Nancy McDowell and Ed DeGroot, who met weekly at Mr. O’s Academy for the past few months.
The goal of the concert held Dec. 14 at San Benito High School was to provide a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together as one through music and is comprised of local talent and inter-faith groups throughout Hollister and the surrounding areas (Gilroy, San Juan Batista). It has become San Benito County’s annual Christmas performing arts celebration.
David Baumgartner kept it real as master of ceremonies, with his natural humor and wonderful fun-loving personality.
In lieu of an intermission, soloist Cori Kellett from Morgan Hill’s St. Catherine’s Church divided the audience into sections and, with the help of the St. Catherine’s Worship Singers comprised of 12 youth, cheered on their groups to stand and sing a verse of the 12 days of Christmas, while simultaneously acting them out.
Other local groups included; Mr. O’s Jazz Band, The Oriana Chorale, Vocal Soloist Michelle Perry from Gilroy, The Hollister Youth Choir, Marachi Juvenil Alma de Mexico, Hollister Men’s Quartet, The Presbyterian Church Bell Choir, and the Hollister Elementary School Choir led by Susan Silveira and soloist Dennis Beasley from Gilroy.
The show’s grand finale included the audience joining together in singing ‘Silent Night’ followed by a raffle with items donated from many local merchants and refreshments.
For more information, requests, or suggestions, please direct e-mails to
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