Chambers singers from Watkins Mill High School performed at the White House on December 15. The singers performed in the East Room and did two sets for the guests who were on the White House tour.

The singers worked hard and practiced long hours in order to prepare themselves. The White House was just one of the numerous performances that were scheduled on their Winter Tour.

Even though they knew that they were prepared, a few of them still felt nervous because this was an extremely special occasion. “[I kept telling myself] don’t mess up, don’t mess up,” senior Aaron Jones said.

A few of the songs that the singers enjoyed performing include “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas,” “Build Me Up Buttercup,” and “Sì ch’io vorrei moriere.”

The singers knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “I think it was super exciting and a huge privilege to do this, and it was a great opportunity for Watkins Mill High School,” senior Sara Hoover said. “I’ve been wanting to do this since my freshman year, and we finally got to do it.”

However, sophomore Michael White is confident that Chambers supervisor Rodney Long will be able to give them similar opportunities. “Mr. Long is always on the ball, [and is] always trying to get us to do different things, so if he were able to get us into the White House again, he probably would try to.”

Some were looking forward to meeting the President, but unfortunately this did not happen. “I really wish we could’ve seen Obama, but he’s busy doing [presidential] things,” Hoover said.

Sophomore Christina Levine was “just looking forward to singing in the White House.” She enjoys performing with the group because of the “sense of family” that they all share when they’re together.

Even though meeting the President did not happen, the singers know that just being in the White House was still an exciting experience on its own. “[My favorite part was] definitely using the bathroom in the White House because that is not something everyone can say that they’ve done,” White said.

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Catherisa Apostol