[December 23, 2011]  The piano students from Carroll Catholic School performed two Christmas recitals this week for two different audiences. The students are learning to play piano under instruction from Ruth Freesmeier, music director for Holy Family Church and Carroll Catholic School. Mrs. Freesmeier plans recitals for the end of October, when the students play songs with a Halloween theme, and before Christmas, when they perform carols and holiday songs.

Last Friday the students traveled to Castle Manor to perform for residents during lunchtime. The students took a lunch and were given space at tables around the dining room. They ate while waiting for their turn at the baby grand piano. Some residents commented that hearing the children reminded them of their own experiences in playing piano and practicing after school.

Songs performed included "Carol of the Bells," "Away in a Manger, "Good King Wenceslas," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "Silent Night," "Deck the Halls," "Little Drummer Boy," "Go Tell it on the Mountain," "The First Noel," "Good Christian Men, Rejoice," and "Manger Melody."

On Tuesday the piano players were back in the lunchroom at Carroll Catholic School, entertaining fellow students with their selection of holiday and Christmas songs.

Pictures by Marla Blair

Students waited for their turn to play the baby grand piano at Castle Manor when Ruth Freesmeier's piano students performed at lunchtime on Friday.

The piano students took lunches and were seated at tables in the dining room with Castle Manor residents.

Mrs. Raffa, Lexi's grandmother, helped place the tabletop programs on lunch tables at Carroll Catholic on Tuesday. The program identified the piano students who would perform.

Mrs. Freesmeier always does something special for her students when they perform in a recital. Tuesday she decorated their lunch table and gave them treats in little Christmas stockings.

Lauren Graue and Mrs. Freesmeier play a duet of "Silent Night" to open the recital at Carroll Catholic School.

Back to top