November 24, 2023
Article by Toby Scofield,
Pickerington Online Intern
Photos from Pickerington North
Choral Boosters

Here comes Pickerington North, right down your lane, singing songs of holiday cheer on Saturday, December 2nd. 

The choirs go home to home throughout the North attendance boundaries spreading holiday cheer by singing familiar carols. The focus is to give back to the community, raise awareness of the choir program, and collect donations which will help support the program at North.

“We will attempt to hit every neighborhood on the North side of the district UNLESS a request comes in to do a little caroling elsewhere!” said Panther Choir Director Lori Vance.

One hundred percent of the donations benefit the choir and are greatly appreciated. The funds cover a variety of costs such as equipment, uniforms and transportation. The choral department’s primary expense is sheet music which legally cannot be photocopied.

Donations also support a 2025 trip to Walt Disney World. North’s choir has been invited in past years and hopes to be asked again. The choir performs at the Magic Kingdom, representing Pickerington to thousands of people. Additionally, the students receive a behind-the-scenes Disney experience along with a Disney Imagination Campus pin. 

“My daughter, Jacqueline, was part of this amazing trip in 2023!” caroling coordinator Michelle Crook said. “She was able to spend valuable time with her peers while learning what it is like being part of this lasting, real-life experience.”

You can also catch the choir students along with the Panther instrumental chamber ensembles and orchestras at the Musical Celebrations and Sharing on December 13 at 7 pm in the North performance arts center. Close to 200 students will be participating in this “beautiful concert”.

“We start preparation with various groups clear back in August (yes, as soon as they get here),” Vance said. “Others start in October directly after the fall concert. The orchestra has been preparing throughout the year this year because they are attending the Superbowl of Orchestras in March. American String Teachers Association’s (ASTA) National Orchestra Festival. This is quite the honor for our building, district, and community. We are extremely proud of them!”

Admission to the show is free and open to the public.