By Lisa Duckers
Staff Writer
The Mira Costa vocal ensemble entertained the crowds by performing a number of Christmas carols at the 21st annual Manhattan Beach pier lighting and 16th annual downtown Manhattan Beach Open House on Nov. 17.
Each year, the city of Manhattan Beach kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of the Manhattan Beach pier and the downtown area.
“I have been attending the pier lighting for as long as I can remember. It’s a great way to start off the holiday season,” senior Victoria Southwood said.
Before the pier was lit up, the vocal ensemble performed a number of songs. At 7 p.m Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery flipped the switch that illuminated the pier for the winter.
After the pier lighting, the choir split up to go caroling. They were greeted with awe and applause from spectators of all ages.
“My favorite part of the pier lighting night is caroling in octets. It is always a joy to see little kids watching us sing,” said vocal ensemble member and senior Maria Hanley.
According to choir director Michael Hayden, there is still more choir caroling to come for the holidays.
“On Saturday, several singers will be caroling at (a MCHS Baseball event) in the Costa parking lot. Also, one of our singers is hosting a caroling party which is partly a fundraiser for The Make a Wish Foundation,” Hayden said.
The Holiday singing is not quite over for the Costa vocal ensemble. They will be performing at the Winter Choir Concert on Dec. 13 in the Costa Auditorium at 7 p.m.
“We will be joined by the jazz band that joins multi-cultural choir with vocal ensemble and features three very talented female soloists,” Hayden said.
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