Members of the University of Delaware Children’s Choirs (UDCC) participated in a 94-year-old American tradition when they performed at the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Dec. 10.

This was the first time UDCC participated in the event, which started with President Calvin Coolidge in 1923, and performers included 32 members of the Gold Choir, which features singers in grades 4-9, and the Singin’ Hens, UDCC’s advanced ensemble.

The National Christmas Tree is traditionally lit on Dec. 1, and throughout the month groups from around the country visit the tree to entertain visitors to the capital and share the spirit of the season through music.

For many of UD’s young singers, this was their first visit to Washington, D.C., and all of them had an unforgettable experience.

“It was a huge honor to get to sing there,” said choir member Eloise Fox. “Choirs from all over the country submit to be part of this, and we were selected. That’s just a really amazing thing and something I’ll never forget.”

Fellow member Sydney Brand added, “Not many other choirs or soloists get to do something that special.”

The performance at the tree was the highlight, but the singing lasted all day long. The choir began their day with a “warm-up” performance at Knollwood Military Retirement Community in the District of Columbia, singing for veterans.

“They were having so much fun. We couldn’t stop them from singing,” said choir mom Julie McCrea. “Not only did they sing at the tree and the at the retirement community — they sang in the tent, they sang at the American History Museum, they sang at the restaurant. They were so happy when they sang. They loved it and it’s wonderful.”

The kids agreed. “When we were singing all over the place, it made me feel like we are part of a big, happy family,” said Kelley Laurenceau.

What was fun for the kids was also good for the choir. Gold Choir director Debra Arnold explained, “We went because it’s great for our program. The kids were really excited to come show what Delaware can do and represent the University of Delaware. It was motivating for them and a really cool way to end our season.”

UD students attended the trip, as well. Each year, three music majors are selected to work as choir interns. This year’s interns are Jena Nolan, Kethrellan Peterson and Zach Doimi.

“It’s an incredible experience to work with these really dedicated students and to get the opportunity to work on something that relates to my dream profession and what I want to do with the rest of my life,” Peterson said.

The choir also attracts many “life-long” members. Fox said, “I joined in second grade and I’m in seventh grade now. This is the first step I took into music, and music is just something that I love now. I’m becoming a more advanced singer, and if I hadn’t taken this first step, I don’t think that would have happened.”

The University of Delaware Children’s Choirs are run by the Department of Music’s Community Music School and are composed of the Blue Choir training division, grades 1-4; the Gold Choir, grades 4-9; and the select Singin’ Hens choir.

They meet once a week during the academic year and auditions are held every September and January. For more information on the choir or other CMS programs, visit the website.