Group will perform at Candyland, singing tree planned for ‘19

The Andalusia High School Chorus is teaming up with the City of Andalusia to create a community choir to perform at Candyland this year.

AHS choir director Hannah Cross said that the idea has been in her head ever since she moved home to Andalusia.

“When I was in college we did an outside singing Christmas tree,” Cross said. “I thought that it would be a cool idea for the city to do it as well, so I went to Chrissie Duffy and suggested it. She said that a few years ago, they did get the framing for the outside singing Christmas tree, so hopefully next year we can get that going.”

Cross said that they will work hard this year to have the singing Christmas tree next year at Candyland.

“I have talked to Mayor (Earl) Johnson and John Thompson about finding the frame for the singing Christmas tree,” Cross said. “So hopefully we can get it put together and find a way to have it for next Christmas.”

This year they will settle for a community Christmas choir to sing on the square.

“I think this is a great way for the school to get involved with the community,” Cross said. “Anyone who loves to sing and is able to practice is more than welcome to be a part of this.”

The group will sing both sacred and secular Christmas carols each weekend.

Cross hopes that at least 70 to 100 people will be in the choir.

“We will have the choir from the high school at each performance and they will rotate between performances,” Cross said. “So that is at least 30 to 40 people right there, but I’m hoping people from the community can fill the gap.”

Cross has reached out to churches in the community as well to recruit people to sing.

“We are trying to get as many church choirs involved as possible,” Cross said. “Hopefully a lot will show up.”

Practices will be held in the AHS choir room every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m., until 8 p.m., with the first performance on the square happening on Dec. 1, at 5 p.m.

If anyone has any questions, contact Cross at 769-257-3281.