Hundreds of students came together in Michigan City High School’s gymnasium Thursday night to help the entire community ring in the holiday season.
The Michigan City Area Schools elementary, middle school and high school choirs joined the middle and high school bands in the yearly "One City One Sound" event that is among the most popular organized by the district all year.
Find dozens of photos from this year's 'Once City One Sound' at MCHS here!
“This is always the formal kickoff to the holiday season here in Michigan City,” Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, superintendent of the Michigan City Area Schools, said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to hear our very talented children and the teachers that work so hard with them to put on a marvelous program for our community. We have many special guests tonight who are leaders in our community and they are here because they know that this is something special for Michigan City.”
Before the event, Eason-Watkins took a moment to announce and thank every teacher who led band and choirs. She thanked the many Indiana leaders who attended, including Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer, city board members and City Council members. She also gave special thanks to the JROTC and the Michigan City Police Department for helping the event run smoothly by directing traffic.
The event was filled with people ready to cheer on the bands and choirs. There was thunderous applause between pieces. Students practice for the event starting the first week of school, according to Michigan City High School Principal Bonnie Manuel.
“It brings our entire city together to see elementary through high school music," Manuel said. “It is a wonderful experience for our community to see everybody all at one time, and hear the voices of all of our children.”
Candice Silvas, a representative for Salvation Army Michigan City as well as the city's 2nd Ward City Council representative, said MCAS is "a huge supporter" of The Salvation Army and all the work it does throughout the city.
"They always do a food drive for (Salvation Army) here at One City One Sound, and they let us have our bells here. They do a food drive for Salvation Army until Christmas Vacation."
Wendel McCollum, Michigan City Area Schools Associate Superintendent, is also proud of the popular event.
“This is one of the best nights we have as a district,” he said, “There’s not too many events that we have where we bring together everyone K-12 where we’re celebrating students. Back when I was a student in Michigan City, this was something we’d look forward to, getting everyone together, and I’m glad we brought the tradition back.”