Valerie Myers

Staff Writer

A new group performed for the first time at the Holiday Lights Event as students and staff prepared for the season. The event was held from 4-5 p.m. on Dec. 3 at College Circle.

The event started with a short but heartfelt speech from university President Kenneth Long to welcome students and explain the importance of the event.

“This time of year, we like to take a few minutes from our offices, from our exams, [and] from studying just to recognize the holiday season and recognize why we do this celebration. As we celebrate today, let’s carry this spirit forward. Let’s share our tradition, learn from one another, and bring light into the world,” said the president.

After the president’s speech, the event transitioned into a performance of popular holiday songs by the Warrior Marching Band and color guard, and their student singers.

“The event made me very excited for the holidays. I had a great time, it was very festive,” said Tiffany Silva, a senior student who came to the event.

A snack canopy was also available at the event, free of charge, and included holiday-typical desserts like babka, sugar cookies, rugelach, and gingerbread bars. Hot chocolate was also available to enjoy and keep hands warm in the cold weather.

After the band finished their songs, several other campus groups including, but not limited to, the cheerleading team, contemporary dance team, and the Tonesetters each had their own holiday performances as well.

The Tonesetters, ESU’s acapella group, performed at their first ever Holiday Lights Event to Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe.”

“I enjoyed watching the dancers and singers [and] I had a great time singing along to “Mistletoe,” said Silva.

Performing acapella means that there was no musical accompaniment in the Tonesetters’ performance, which brought some important variety to the event. Vocalists relied on their voices to mimic the sounds of instruments, similar to beatboxing.

“It was nerve-wracking at first, but when the crowd started getting involved, then it became a lot easier,” said Madi Reppert, a member of the Tonesetters.

The event only lasted about an hour, but fit in a lot of performances. The event was a way for students to relax and prepare for the start of winter break and the holiday season.