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Schools

DHHS Wassailers Spread Holiday Cheer

Visiting the elementary schools, where many of the performers attended school, is a special treat for the singers and students alike.

Dressed in traditional Renaissance garb, the Daniel Hand High School Wassailers brought holiday cheer to many this holiday season. 

“You get this aura that we are Wassailers and we are singing in a classical style because we are in these costumes,” said Senior Cathy Guo. “Singing the waes haeil song, you can’t do it without the costumes."

The costumes were hand-made by a parent many years ago and preserved year after year. 

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”No two dresses are the same, “ said Guo. “They have beautiful detailing,” she added, showing off the delicate lace cuff of her velvet dress. 

Beginning at the start of the school year and practicing twice a week for 45 minutes prepares the singers for their holiday schedule.

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They were scheduled for five performances, including private parties, ABC concert, the DHHS concert and all of the elementary schools.

Visiting the elementary schools, where many of the performers attended school, is a special treat for the singers and students alike.

“It’s so much fun,” said Wassail Singers’ President John Ovian. “Especially when we sing the Christmas songs. They’re so energetic and they sing along with us. Personally, it makes me smile, it’s a lot of fun!"

Guo agreed, “There’s a sense of prolonged tradition because, I think, a lot of the people within the group remember when they were in elementary school and the Wassails coming then. So it’s a really nice tradition to come to sing to the schools.”

“Many of the students who are in the waaes haeil now remember the time they first saw waes haeil come to their elementary school,” said music teacher Ronald Soja. “It is so much to come and perform for future wassailers.”

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