Hersey carolers visit The Moorings of Arlington Heights

Hersey High School’s 23-member Charles Dickens Carolers performed holiday music at The Moorings of Arlington Heights retirement community Dec. 2.

The a cappella group, dressed in faithful recreations of Dickens-era costumes, has performed early in the season at The Moorings for the last five years.

“They bring beautiful harmonies to the season that our residents really look forward to hearing. It’s become an annual tradition,” said Mary Kay Bochenek, director of independent living at The Moorings.

According to Sara Michael, choral director at Hersey, students audition for the group in the spring and are then given 10 songs to learn over the summer. Rehearsals start one night a week in October when more songs are added to create a repertoire of 24 songs.

“This year’s choir is quite large and is made up of sophomores, juniors and seniors,” said Michaels. “Most of (the students) are also involved in other school choirs, drama and athletics. Each is in at least one AP class, so these kids really are the cream of the crop and very talented.”

Members are Madeleine Brown, Andrea Butler, Kristie Davidson, Caitlin Featherstone, Bethany Figiel, Amanda Grossmayer, Erin Horne, Daniel Kapinos, Kristin Kapinos, Joe Lasare, Matt Leff, Joe Lehnert, Chris Lio, Kelsey Martin, Skye Mooney, Mike Perlongo, Samantha Presto, Anto Sagayaraj, Robert Somary, David Van Scoyoc, Mary Martin, Jonas Wightman and Tyler Zanona.