VIENNA — The Maries R-1 elementary winter concert turned the school gym into something far more magical than its usual role. The schools gym was overflowing with families, excitement and holiday spirit on Dec. 4, as the annual performance drew one of the largest crowds of the season.

The students performed a lineup of classic Christmas favorites, including “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” filling the gym with familiar melodies, proud smiles and even some sing-alongs from spectators.

By the time the first notes were played, there was not a single seat left in the gym. Parents, grandparents and siblings filled the bleachers wall to wall, while vehicles packed every available parking space outside. Some families even parked where the buses usually line up, all for a chance to watch their young performers take the stage.

As soon as the students began, the room fell into a quiet focus. Every set of eyes and ears locked onto the stage and the students positioned in front of it with their instruments. The concert was hosted and conducted by music teacher Rob Kilmer, who shared how the program had grown throughout the year. Assisting Kilmer was third grade teacher Ralf Trusty.

Kilmer started the concert by sharing at the beginning of the school year, the school had only nine xylophones available for student use, far fewer than needed. She opened the concert with a formal thank you, to The Maries County Bank who provided a donation which allowed the elementary music program to expand and meet the needs of every student who wanted to play a xylophone. The result, over 25 xylophones were used during the concert and each student who wanted to play, did.

In front of the xylophones, students sat with colorful boom-whackers in hand, adding bright rhythm to the music. Behind them on stage were rows of students dressed in festive fashion, many wearing Santa hats, reindeer antlers and holiday attire as they sang.

The finale brought the evening to an emotional close as the students ended with a heartfelt holiday song, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. The moment drew visible tears from some parents in the crowd.

As the final notes faded, the elementary students at Maries R-1 delivered a clear message to the entire community: Merry Christmas and have a happy New Year.