By Breanna Cao (2022)

Video Compilation By Thanh Tieu (2020)

The spirit of Christmas was in the cold, winter air on Sunday, December 15. In Ukiah’s Seventh-day Adventist Church, the girls of the DVGS Choir practiced for the Annual Christmas Cantata. After many rehearsals, it was finally showtime! Alongside the adult and youth choirs from the Ukiah Junior Academy, the singers of DVGS presented a show, telling the story of Christmas to the local community. The girls sang several beautiful songs, such as “See Amid the Winter’s Snow” and “Christmas Angels”. It was an unforgettable collaboration. 

In addition to incorporating the DVGS Choir, this year’s cantata had a special theme: internationality. Each singer wore a costume to represent a country in the International Edition of the Cantata. The representation of each country brought a sense of unity among all people around the world, despite differences in nationality and culture. 

Accompanied by a live orchestra, the singers and actors put on two performances, and both shows were fully seated. 

“Although it was a long day of singing, I can’t forget how nice everyone was,” praised Cherry Ngo (2024). “It was an unforgettable experience.” 

“The Christmas Cantata was very fun!” Emi Nguyen (2024) added. 

Time passed by quickly, and soon, the day was over. The girls hurried home after a long day of singing to be with their families and to continue the Christmas spirit. But besides the songs, the play, and the Christmas spirit of the cantata, the girls took home a lesson far more important. 

“It gave us a new understanding of different religions and cultures; it was a great exposure to a new perspective of a different religion through music,” Rachel Blythe (2022) and Audrey Chan (2021) concluded. 

All in all, it was a wonderful event filled with beautiful music and unity. 

A very special thank you to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ms. Margie Rice, and the Ukiah Junior Academy. It was an amazing experience!