On Friday, Nov. 30, they sang with the Maryland Boychoir at the Festival of Trees and at a performance at the Williamsport Community Concert on Dec. 5.
They will sing for the Eastern Elementary School reward assembly on Dec. 7, then have two performances with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 15 and 16.
The chamber choir's final holiday appearance is at the Utility Relief Benefit Concert at The Maryland Theatre on Dec. 20. After that, they will begin preparing to sing with Hagerstown Choral Arts at their 10th anniversary concert in the spring.
Rafter's students have nothing but praise for her as well.
"Miss Rafter is like one of the best teachers ? she inspires me and the group and really cares for us," said Casey Arnone, 13.
Student Aysia Medley said she feels a sense of accomplishment and pride as a member of the chamber choir. Even though she's nervous about singing with the MSO, she knows the performance will go well.
In addition to regular chorus rehearsals during the school day, chamber choir members rehearse several hours a week after school. Just recently, they chose to miss a school reward activity to allow for more rehearsal time.
"That's typical of the commitment of this group," Rafter said.
