This audio piece follows West Chicago Community High School’s a cappella chamber choir as they spread holiday cheer at Gary Elementary School’s Breakfast with Santa. Reporter Ja’Nyah Villa captures moments of music, community, and connection through interviews with elementary students and Santa himself, highlighting how shared traditions help bring West Chicago together during the holiday season.
Prefer reading? A full transcript of the audio is included below.
0:01 – Ja’Nyah Villa:
West Chicago has one of those communities every small town wishes it had—especially during the holiday season. Not only does Santa Claus come to town for multiple events, but the West Chicago Community High School a cappella chamber choir also spreads Christmas cheer by booking several caroling gigs.
A great example is Gary Elementary School’s Breakfast with Santa, where the choir sang for 45 minutes, followed by performances from the elementary choir—and lots of pancakes.
I’m here with Santa Claus. How are you, Santa?
0:27 – Santa Claus:
I’m fine, and yourself?
Ja’Nyah Villa:
What’s your favorite Christmas song?
Santa Claus:
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
0:37 – Ja’Nyah Villa:
The holiday season—especially Christmas—is a time for communities to come together, showing the children of West Chicago what it means to belong. Whether through the choir or town events, these moments teach empathy, self-esteem, and respect for others.
0:55 – Ja’Nyah Villa:
Okay, so I’m with—say your name.
Sarah O’Brien:
Sarah.
Ja’Nyah Villa:
Can you tell me a little about your experience singing in the choir? Did you have fun?
Sarah O’Brien:
Yeah.
Ja’Nyah Villa:
Did you think your performance went well?
Sarah O’Brien:
Kind of.
Ja’Nyah Villa:
Why do you say that?
Sarah O’Brien:
Because I kind of messed up.
Ja’Nyah Villa:
That’s okay—I messed up too. Did you like the high school choir?
Sarah O’Brien:
Yeah.
Ja’Nyah Villa:
Do you have a favorite song?
Sarah O’Brien:
The one we both did—Frosty the Snowman.
1:30 – Ja’Nyah Villa:
West Chicago’s welcoming community allows everyone to feel appreciated and valued. At a time when members of our community may feel targeted or threatened, it is especially important to stick together, continue celebrating, and show gratitude. These moments show the world that West Chicago is not a town to be messed with—and the kids in our community are a big part of that lightheartedness everyone needs right now.
Apart from Sarah, other members of the Gary Elementary choir also shared their excitement for the holiday season: Brianna, Kiana, and Andrea.
2:06 – Ja’Nyah Villa:
How was your choir experience? Did you have fun up there?
Brianna:
I was a little nervous, but I had a lot of fun.
Ja’Nyah Villa:
Did you have a favorite song?
Kiana:
Hot Chocolate.
Andrea:
Mi Burrito Sabanero.
Ja’Nyah Villa:
Are you guys excited for Christmas?
All:
Yeah!
Ja’Nyah Villa:
What’s the present you want the most?
Brianna:
Mini figures or YouTuber stuff.
Kiana:
A VR.
Andrea:
Hello Kitty.
2:49 – Ja’Nyah Villa:
This event was just one of many ways West Chicago has come together this holiday season. From multiple Breakfasts with Santa to volunteer projects supporting those in need, the community continues to show up.
When it comes to community, West Chicago thrives—and even Santa knows it.
Santa Claus:
I love it—the kids, the volunteering, all of it.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai
