Winter: A season where snow covers vast areas, warm drinks are shared with one another, and a group of Ledyard High School students dedicate their time to caroling at various gigs across Connecticut.

The Ledyard Carolers aren’t just any ordinary after-school group but a holiday tradition dating back to 1974. Coming from such a small town, their fame is widely-known across the state. Little do people know, dozens of calls and emails are placed from many local businesses and companies, begging for the 25 students to come and perform at their events. Many opportunities are thrown at them, and this one wasn’t something to miss.

On Dec. 7, 2017, the Carolers were invited by Better Connecticut’s host Scot Haney to come and film for their Christmas Special episode, which will be airing on December 22 at 3 pm. In total, they sang six pieces: “Angels We Have Heard on High”, “Christmas Soup”, “Carol of the Bells”, “In the First Light”, “I saw Three Ships”, and “Silver Bells”, and featured many soloists/duets: Ashley McCarthy, James Griffin, Leo Kowalski, Patrick Bora, Anthony Zinno, Megan Larmann, Harold Phillips, and Lizzie Janzti.

The recording process was certainly not quick and easy. In order to get good camera angles and microphone sounds, many songs needed to be repeated and shot all over again. While singing “Christmas Soup,” and dancing all the silly moves that go with it, was surely entertaining, and it was also physically and mentally exhausting, not to mention extremely hot and sweaty.

A Facebook livestream was put out on Haney’s page the day of the recording, earning over 21.2K views, 208 shares, and 250 likes. Many alumni, parents, and students are looking forward to the broadcast.

The experience was a great one: a once in a lifetime opportunity. Although this time of year for a Caroler is tiring, the memories created are some that will never be forgotten.

Sophia Keefe, Staff Writer

Senior Sophia ‘Sophie’ Keefe is a staff writer for the 2017-2018 Colonel. She is an avid varsity softball player and track runner on top of her involvement in Ledyard music, participating in Acabellas, Carolers, and Select Singers. After school, you’ll find her studying for anatomy while simultaneously petting cats and listening to Plain Ketchup (it’s a band.)