Festival of Trees featured Mckeesport Area High School Music Department

The City of McKeesport’s annual Festival of Trees featured talented musical groups from McKeesport Area High School. First on stage was a jazz quartet featuring teacher and band director Noah Crawford on keyboard, Lucas Sotereanos on trombone, Rasheena Carson on tenor saxophone and Geno Sportelli on drums. Choral teacher Beth Eger led her a cappella choir in holiday favorites, a different arrangement of “Deck the Halls” featuring J.J. Wunderley as soloist; “Carol of the Bells,” and several others, including a “Thirty-Second Merry Christmas.” Sarah Persin, the high school’s orchestra teacher and conductor, brought the school’s string chamber orchestra that featured 11 members who enjoy showcasing their classical abilities on violins, violas and cellos. Wrapping up the musical performance was the school’s show choir led by Eger. The 15-member group sang and danced their way through several numbers. The musical groups will also perform at the school’s holiday concert at 7 p.m. Thursday in the high school auditorium. Submitted