Dexter, Missouri - The 6th, 7th and 8th grade band students at Dexter's TS Middle School welcomed the holiday season with their annual Christmas concert.

Under the direction of Mr. Jim Wade, Middle School Band Director, the 6th grade students were excited to perform their first Christmas concert.  They began with an old time favorite, "Jolly Old St. Nick" written by Bruce Pearson.  The band played a total of five tunes, "We Three Kings" written by John Hopkins, "Up on the Housetop" by Chuck Elledge and ended the concert with two songs written by Bruce Pearson, "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas".  They did an awesome job and the crowd cheered and sang with the band during their performance.

The 7th and 8th grade students were dressed in their band uniforms as this is a tradition at TS Middle School.  They don't get to show off their uniforms as often as the high school; however they will get their chance to march very soon.  Dressing in their band uniform always makes them look sharp.

They too performed 5 songs beginning with "A Holly Jolly Christmas" written by Johnny Marks and favorite of many, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" arranged by Mike Story.  Mr. Wade chose two songs arranged by Jerry Nowak, "Merry Christmas Darling" and "Home for the Holidays."  The 7th and 8th grade band ended with "Deck the Halls with Old Composers", a cute little tune by Jerry Williams. 

This was the last Christmas concert for the 8th graders at TS Middle School, for next year they will be at the high school.  There are several students who have already been playing music with the high school during this past football season and they look forward to marching next year.

"There is a lot of musical talent at Dexter Schools. Both Mr. Wade and Mr. Rybolt do a fine job teaching our youngsters.  I enjoy their performances and I attend all of my girl's concerts," stated one very proud mother in the audience.

We look forward to their next performance in the new year!