Months of work result in dazzling AmFam holiday concert

By Lorraine Glowczak

Nothing sparks the holiday spirit for the greater Windham community than the annual and highly anticipated performance of An American Family Holiday (AmFam) concert performed by the Windham Chamber Singers. As a result, there is no surprise that the WCS performed two shows in a jam-packed auditorium at Windham High School (WHS) last Saturday, Dec. 3.

Special guests Ashley Liberty, violinist, and Daniel Strange,
pianist, perform with the Windham Chamber Singers at last
Saturday's 'An American Family Holiday Tradition' concert. It
takes a lot of work by the WCS performers to make this highly
popular annual event a success. They celebrate the Monday
after by unwrapping gifts which are used as props on
the stage. PHOTO BY LINDA NICKERSON  

Although this year was the WCS 21st AmFam performance, the group has been performing a holiday-themed show for over 35 years. As those early concerts have progressed to now include prominent musicians such as Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul and Mary fame) and Tony Award-Winning Broadway performer such as Sutton Foster and Norm Lewis, a Tony Award nominee, preparation is imperative to meet annual success and high expectations of concert goers.

WCS Director and WHS and WMS Music/Chorus Teacher Dr. Richard Nickerson said the planning begins earlier than one may assume.

“I started planning for next year’s concert this morning,” he said Monday afternoon after this past weekend’s concert. “I think it is important to plan on the heel of this performance because it’s fresh in my mind. So, I begin by looking for areas that might need improvement and reflect upon the lessons learned so we can be and do better next year.”

Nickerson considers details such as next year’s program structure, ticket sales, performers, and perhaps most importantly, the music.

“As far as music is concerned, ‘Oh Holy Night’ is a given,” Nickerson said regarding one of the last songs of the evening that includes an invitation of former Chamber Singers (who are audience members) to perform on stage with the current singers. “I also look at feedback from the special headliners to ensure there are no overlapping songs. It’s like putting a puzzle together.”

Guest performers regularly invited include pianist Daniel Strange, WCS alumnus and 2001 WHS graduate and his wife Ashley Liberty, a talented and highly sought out violinist. For the past 18 years, former WGME co-anchor Kim Block has hosted the event.

While selecting the special guest headliners, Nickerson makes sure he does his research.

“It’s important that the guests are known to work well with high school students,” he said. “They also need to understand that although the Chamber Singers are a very professional group of musicians, the headliners will be performing on the smaller stage with youth. But even more importantly, they must understand that although they are the special guest headliner – the kids are the stars of the show.”

However, the WCS stars work hard for their time in the spotlight. They do it all. They are the stage crew and managers, making sure the stage and auditorium is decorated to perfection, including festive backdrops of Christmas trees and other special props and decorations that can include the construction of such items as picket fences, etc.

“They are also in charge of filling all the ticket orders, addressing envelopes, and mailing the tickets,” Nickerson said. “And their work is not complete after the show. They must disassemble the trees, lights, and other decorations in an orderly fashion for next year. Chamber Singers are not only learning how to perform professionally, but they are also learning everyday life skills.”

But most importantly is the encouragement, collaboration, and friendships that are learned and developed among the singers. Among many supportive activities they participate in is the holiday tradition of ‘Secret Santa’ a week before the Am Fam performance. Each day, the singers give gifts that include notes of encouragement, poems, and quotes. The final gifts that are exchanged, are used as props on the stage during the performance.

“It’s really fun to open our gifts the Monday after AmFam,” WCS and senior Teddy Becker said, explaining that it helps make the breakdown of the stage props more interesting. “It gives us an opportunity to bond, to get to know each other better and to prevent cliques from occurring between us.”

Lastly, the well-attended AmFam performance is the WCS's one big fundraiser.

“Money made from their work at AmFam covers the expenses for their annual tour around New England in the spring,” Nickerson said. “So, the funds raised pay for the bus, the meals, hotels, and other expenses.”

WCS are grateful for the support from the Windham and Raymond areas and beyond.

“Thank you for helping to make An American Family Holiday such a wonderful event,” they recently posted on their social media webpage. “We wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.”

This spring, the WCS will perform at schools, churches and at other public events throughout New Hampshire and Vermont. <