OHS Carolers back for their 85th season

December 15, 2023

OHS Carolers perform at lighting of the lights in central park, kicking off their winter season.

The OHS caroling season is in full swing and the Carolers have been going around town for the past two weeks singing their songs for the community.

The Carolers started their season on Oct. 9 with their first practice. They then practiced two to three times a week all the way up to Dec. 1 when they had their first performance at the Lighting of the Lights ceremony. This event was a parade organized to bring the community together for the holiday season. At the end of the parade, the Carolers performed at Central Park on the stage. Junior Thomas Oien said, “Lighting of the Lights was my favorite event to sing at so far this year. I feel like it ignites the Christmas spirit in our community.” Owatonna community members were eager to see the Carolers kick off their season. Oien said, ”It seemed people were ecstatic to come and support us and the other businesses in the parade.” The event as a whole was a great success.

The Carolers had their second big performance on Dec. 4 at the OHS winter concert. They performed along with the Symphony Orchestra and the Concert Choir for a sold out crowd. OHS choir director Ms. Paula Asmus said, “We were celebrating a lifetime love of music, so the audience was very excited to hear our music in a new space.”

The Carolers perform all the way through December until winter break. They will perform two- three times a week at different businesses around town including churches, banks, schools and nursing homes. Oien said, “I enjoy sharing music with the community, especially elderly folks that don’t get as much connection.”

To finish off their season, the Carolers travel to each elementary school and perform for the students there. Ms. Asmus said, “Going to these schools leaves a great impression on students, it’s showing that you can do Carolers along with your athletics in high school, and obviously the kids love the candy canes.” The Carolers’ final outing is on Dec. 22, in which they hope to send the younger students on holiday break with a feeling of Christmas spirit.

About the Contributors

Ethan Armstrong, Writer

Ethan Armstrong is a senior at Owatonna High School. He participates in baseball, football, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the musical and Concert Choir. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, being active outside, going on walks with his dog, and playing sports. He lives with his mom, dad, and sister. Being loyal, trustworthy and respectful are three important characteristics about him. He plans to go to a four year college but is not sure of a major yet. This is his second year being on magnet staff. He joined Magnet last year because he wanted to amplify his journalism and photography skills.

Ella Williams, Writer

Ella Williams is a senior at Owatonna High School, and this is her second year in Magnet. Williams has been a dancer at Just For Kix for 15 years and is involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters and YoungLife. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and being outdoors. Over the summer she went to Clearwater Cove with YoungLife and worked at the Blast, a local ice cream shop. Williams plans to go to medical school after high school, and wants to go into pediatrics. She is looking forward to learning more about the activities that go on at the school while also navigating the new OHS building.