President Decrees Watkins Mill to Sing

Congratulations to choral director Lisa Itkin and the Watkins Mill Chamber Singers on their outstanding performances at the White House on Tuesday as part of the President's 2011 Holiday Tours.

Watkins Mill singers have performed at the White House before, most recently in 2007. Little did we know that this time around, we would be singing for anyone other than the guests taking the holiday tour. 

Our 18-member choir performed a fabulous first set of songs, to the smiles, delight and picture/video-taking by arriving guests. After the first set, the group was suddenly hurried away to a small room in the White House, where we gathered for an official group photograph. Chairs and lighting were arranged perfectly in front of the fireplace, and it became clear that this was the same room where the President poses for photos with visiting heads of state.

Here's a bit of Ms. Itkin's perspective:

After a few minutes, one of the high-ranking military officials approached and told us that the President and his wife would stand in the middle behind the row of seats and to leave room for them. The air in the room became electric. All of the students looked at me and asked, 'Could this really be happening?'

A few minutes later, the President and First Lady walked into the room, shook every student's hand, chatted warmly with the group and joined the photograph. After the photo, the students began to leave the room as requested by White House aides.

As the choir filed out, the President paused and requested a "sample" song. Itkin and the kids rushed back and broke into one of their favorite holiday numbers, "Carol of the Bells," finishing with applause and congratulations from the Obamas. A private show! The Obamas gave their thanks and wished happy holidays to our students and entire community.

"It is obvious that you have great kids and a great school," the President remarked as we left the room, while the First Lady reminded the students to study hard and do their homework.

The students went down the hall, erupted into hugs and cheers, then went on to perform a stellar second set of holiday tunes, filling the White House with their jubilant voices.

The kids were amazing and once again made Watkins Mill shine.

Now that we've carolled the First Couple, we'd love to wow you at our free Winter Choral concert, which starts at 7 p.m. Thursday in Watkins Mill's auditorium.

Scott Murphy is the principal at Watkins Mill High School.