A&E
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Xavier High School
Celebrating Christmas with Xavier On Sunday, December 9, the Xavier choirs and band came together to present Christmas with Xavier, their winter concert. In the theme “Light of the World,” Mr. Walker, Mrs. Hussey, and Ms. Swehla conducted singers and musicians of all ranges in the magical show. Around 180 students sang about the joy of Christmas in the Ron Thillen Gymnasium. The night started with all of the choirs combining to sing, “Angels We Have Heard on High,” arranged by Joan J. Pinkston. “Chemistry on stage is
very powerful, and singing is the one thing that brings us together,” sophomore Tory Brown said. The band performed four songs that night. They started with “Fanfare and Flourishes” by James Curnow and ended with “Christmas Variants” arranged by Elliot Del Borgo. The audience, along with the Xavier concert band, sang songs with the choirs. The gym was filled with Christmas spirit as everyone sang widely known Christmas carols such as “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night.” “Mr. Walker
and I knew we wanted a balance of familiar carols and non-traditional Christmas repertoire. We based music selection from the balance and chose pieces our students would enjoy singing,” Hussey said. The choirs joined together at the end of the concert to sing “The First Noel” arranged by Dan Forrest and “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” arranged by Michael Frazier. The tension was high in the days leading up to the concert. Walker and his wife were expecting the birth of their second child on
December 4. Swehla and Hussey were ready at a moment’s notice to cover for Walker if needed. Walker welcomed his new son, Nathaniel David Walker, who was born on Saturday at 1 p.m. He weighed seven pounds and was 21 inches long. Despite the pressure before the concert, the band and choir groups lit the world with song as they performed Christmas with Xavier.
Payton Janney A&E Writer
Movie theaters around Cedar Rapids To celebrate the end of another busy week, some students will grab a group of friends or family and head out to a movie. Which theater is the best? Does a good theater have the newest film or the cheapest ticket? Use this comparison to decide.
Carmike Wynnsong Theater Price
Wehrenberg Galaxy 16 Cine
Collins Road Theater
Price
Price
Adult (Fri-Sat): $9.50 Adult (Sun-Thurs): $9.00 1st Show, Matinee:$7.00 Additional 3D Surcharge: $3.00
Adult Matinee: $7.50 Adult Evening: $9.50 Senior (60+): $7.50 Child: $6.50 Additional 3D Surcharge: $3.00
Advantages
Advantages
• 12 movies at a time • Less crowds for premiere
• Full sized game room on upper floor • Party rooms • Free popcorn refills • Biggest movie selection
Disadvantages
• Movie Selection • Good location for most Xavier students
Disadvantages
• Crowds during premieres • Highest prices
$5.00: All Seats Evening Shows $4.00: All Seats Matinees
Advantages • Real butter popcorn (self-serve) • Smaller crowds • Less expensive
Disadvantages • Movies come out a couple of weeks later than at other theaters • Only seven movies out at a time
From left to right: Carmike Wynnsong, Wehrenburg, and Collins Road Theater. Meghan Gerke Photos Meghan Gerke
A&E Writer
Wishing you a happy and safe Holiday
From, Willey, O’Brien, L.C Attorneys at Law
Willey, O’Brien, L.C 3519 Center Point, Rd. NE. Cedar Rapids, IA. 319-390-5555