Students, faculty, family and even prospective parents gathered on Dec. 9 for Branson’s annual Tree Lighting and Winter Arts Festival.
The arts festival is a beloved Branson tradition. Head of School Chris Mazzola called it “one of my favorite events” and said it made her reflect on the importance of enjoying the simple things.
She encouraged the festival’s attendees to do the same, saying, “Let’s take those ordinary moments and enjoy them tonight with those we love.”
The night’s ordinary moments took great talent. Several musical performances and a play took place during the festival, as well as a New House exhibit of pieces made by students in visual arts classes.
One purpose of the festival is to highlight the talent of Branson artists, be it the Advanced Acting class performing “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” music classes playing rock and pop songs or boys’ and girls’ a cappella and the Branson Singers caroling.
Participation in the arts that night wasn’t limited to just students, though. In “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” Director of Operations Todd Bickel and math teacher Drew Mathieson acted alongside the students as the snowman narrator and Santa Claus, respectively.
The play and the rest of the performances were well received, with many leaving with smiles on their faces. The night, though frigid, was warm in tone.
Student body co-president Imogen Brown ‘25 read “The Velveteen Rabbit” in her speech before the tree lighting, saying that the story always reminded her of the importance of “becoming real.”
“Being real is achieved through time and acceptance,” she said. Branson, she said, was a place where students could achieve that.
Between performances, attendees made conversation over soup and hot chocolate, and during performances, they cheered on their peers, family members and students.
“This is community,” said Brown’s co-president Mo Jacoby ‘25.
