HILTON, N.Y. — One thing missing for sure this holiday season is all the school band concerts and chorus holiday performances. Hilton High School’s wind ensemble is finding a way to safely play and share the songs the student musicians have been working on all school year. 

Hilton is recording holiday songs for a Winter Festival of Music CD. Most of Hilton High School’s wind ensemble played together at school Friday for the first time together to record the song Sleigh Ride. It's one of 28 songs for the holiday CD. Other songs for the CD were recorded in small ensembles and even included students who are learning 100% from home. 

"We didn’t even think we would be able to do anything, so the fact that we are here playing, I mean yes, it’s different, but we are thankful to be able to be playing," said senior Shayla Vetter.

"We thought it would be a great way to provide some sense of normalcy given the crazy times that are going on," said Hilton music director, Jared Streiff. "It’s really nice that we can see them come together and collaborate on this project from near and far."

A lot of the students hadn’t seen each other in months, so performing together, if only for an hour and six feet apart, was special.

"It’s been very challenging and they get really excited about showcasing their talents throughout the season, but they haven’t been able to," said Hilton music director Nancy Russo. "We usually do social events every month and with the pandemic, we haven’t been able to do that."

"I want to thank Mrs. Russo especially because I think doing this for us is really special and something we are going to remember," said senior Nick Graziano. "Even though it’s different we’ve got something. We’re gonna remember the rest of our lives."

"Now that we have the CD for our families and we will be able to look back on it and remember what we went through with this pandemic," said Vetter.

Each of the student performers will be given a holiday CD to enjoy at home and share with family and friends.