Christmas Sing

As a child at Ensworth, as my cohort remembers, the big all-school show was the "Christmas Sing" (includive of the dreidel song and other Hanukkah hits) In later years, diversity correctness lead first a name changes to "Holiday Sing" and Winter Sing" before it was scrapped all together.

Ensworth now has a fabulous new high school, with a campus that rivals most ivy-league private colleges, and the administration has brought back the Christmas Sing, folding into Grandparents' Day, and the winter All-School Assembly into a "Winter Concert" and assembly. My first morning in Nashville, I got up and accompanied Mom to Grandparents' day and was surprised to get to enjoy a Christmas Sing and a heavy holiday dose of nostalgia. However, our Christmas Sings were at night in the old gym on the old campus in a building that doesn't exist anymore.



My nephew Bradley, a junior, was in attendance but not performing. Ellen, not yet in high school, did perform with the junior school, as did annexed niece Grace.



As Amy Grants' kids go here (as do Faith and Tims' and other local famous artists) there were some celeb sightings. Amy was in a grade between brother Mac and brother Jay and I've been around her all my life. Mom used to do a lot of work with her through Theta alumni events. I haven't seen her in a good 15 years but I stopped and spoke, but only got a patient expression without recognition. I can't blame her—I spoke with some of my dearest teachers who didn't recognize me either. Not surprising 50 pounds heavier, balder, and bearded. (I sat quietly next to Bev Roberts and said, "Hi Mrs. Roberts. I'm Wilson Hardcastle." She looked at me hard and said, "Oh my word you ARE in there!" She clarified she meant behind the beard. Mom pointed out Ellen to me by saying she was across teh gym, halfway up "behind that old man in the suit." "Oh my Lord Mr. Katzman is still teaching here. He looks ancient." "Where is he? Do you see him?" Yes—he's the old man in the suit.")

Ensworth has CERTAINLY stepped up their music game. All the junior kids still have compulsory chorus and music classes (inclusive of a handbell choir), but the high school students have amazing elective programs of band, jazz band, and The Ensworth High School Singers.

The whole morning was awash in cuteness and I caught some of it on video. Mother and I were both taken aback, and I felt like a conservative old biddy, at the almost whorish outfits the high school girl singers were wearing. I've seen drag queens in lower stilettos and longer skirts. If I were a straight man I would have had a hard time controlling myself. A couple of these girls really did look like professional sex workers, and they are only in high school. I chalk this up to WAY too much time watching the WB/CW.



LORD knows that I am no prude (as evidenced repeatedly in this blog) but for fk's sake these girls could have at least tried to lower their asses or wore skirts below their petulas for GRANDPARENTS' Day.

I do need to note though, that the performances of both bands and the Singers were astounding. So good. And the soloists knocked it OUT.

Even in the slightly freezing rain, this was a wonderful first morning back.



And here's some clips.