“E Pluribus Unum” (“Out of Many, One”) Sets Tone for Annual Holiday Program

The Browning community joined together on December 19 in Temple Emanu-El for the School’s annual holiday program, led by Music Directors David Prestigiacomo and Lucy Warner. With “E Pluribus Unum” (“Out of Many, One”) as its theme, the festive program began with remarks from Headmaster Clement and was followed by readings and performances by Form I Hand Chimes, Holiday Strings Orchestra, Starbright Strings, Tick-Tock Orchestra, Holly Jolly Dancers, Ovation Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Djembes, and Middle and Upper School Choruses.

Among the readings were excerpts from speeches by President John F. Kennedy and Vaclav Havel, the former president of Czechoslovakia. Musical selections ranged from traditional carols of German, Spanish and Welsh origin, to popular holiday tunes such as “Frosty the Snowman,” to African American spirituals and songs of Hanukkah.

The printed holiday program cover featured a work of art by Browning art teachers Nik Vlahos and Zack Davis who collaborated to create a Picasso-inspired bowl. They initiated a collaboration across all division levels and curriculum to study the art of Picasso this year; the prolific results inspired the theme of decor for this year’s holiday party on December 12.

“E Pluribus Unum” aptly conveys the school-wide alliance among the art department, faculty and Browning boys, along with parents and the entire community who came together “as one” to appreciate wonderful student art at the School and enjoy this holiday program at Temple Emanu-El. The congregation rose in unison at the conclusion of the program for the singing of “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” a most fitting end to 2014 and a wonderful way to begin the winter recess!