Milton Hershey School’s Visual and Performing Arts Program Rings in the Holidays
The holidays at Milton Hershey School are a very special time for students, staff, and the broader community. From holiday decorations to student home Christmas dinners, the MHS campus is full of magical moments for students before break.
This December, various student musical ensembles brought even more joy across campus with more than 10 performances from Elementary, Middle, and Senior Division Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) groups. These performances played an important role in the school’s holiday celebration.
“For many people, music is tradition. In every aspect of our lives, music transforms the emotions of a space,” shared Jeremy Ulrich, MHS Music Teacher. “During the holidays it truly brings the feeling of comfort to those that will listen, and it transcends reality.”
On Friday, Dec. 9, Senior Division VPA students performed in a holiday concert in the newly renovated Founders Hall Auditorium—the first time this space has been used for this purpose in several years due to renovations. Other performances took place across campus for a variety of audiences including students, staff, and Hershey entity partners at the Spartan Christmas Winter Wonderlane drive-thru light show, and Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning staff.
“The best part of spreading joy across campus is seeing the joy that it brings to others,” shared Jen Wagner, MHS Music Teacher. “The holidays create a natural opportunity for our students to give back and encourage other students to get involved. In so many ways, music builds character in ourselves and allows us to connect in new ways with other students.”
MHS offers music and art education in pre-K through 12th grade to ensure that each student can explore new interests and gain new skills. In high school, each student is required to fulfill at least one class requirement with an art or music class—opening the creative parts of their intellect.
“I believe passionately that the study of music and art makes our students more well-rounded, productive members of society,” shared Ed Varner, MHS Director of Visual and Performing Arts. “This is true all year long and a particularly joyful element during the holidays. It gives students a chance to engage their community with a shared gift.”
Music is an important part of our community at MHS, especially during the holiday season. There is no doubt that holiday cheer is brought alive through student music, which evokes joy, laughter, and smiles in all.
Read about the Holidays at MHS Learn about Visual and Performing Arts at MHS