LEWISTON — Beautiful music came from the Lewiston High School choir room Monday.

Students sang “Deck the Halls” and “Holly Jolly Christmas” in four-part harmony.

On Dec. 15, 16 and 17, the choir will take their act on the road in Lewiston-Auburn. They’re putting themselves out for hire to raise money for a trip to Williamsburg, Va.

For a donation of $20 — more if you’re feeling like Scrooge on Christmas morning — the choir will entertain at your home, party or church, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Lewiston High singers said they look forward to knocking on doors and singing.

“It’s really fun,” said Sarah Patterson, choir president who’s participated in “Caroling for Cash” since her freshman year.

When they sing at private homes or parties, it makes people happy, she said. Sometimes they’re hired to surprise someone. “They’re surprised,” Patterson said, chuckling at the idea of 30 singers showing up at someone’s doorstep.

Sometimes they carol outside a home. “Sometimes they invite us in,” Avery said.

Going out and singing carols “is a positive thing, like in the old movies,” said Leslie Reed, 17. For her the best part of the Christmas is presents, followed by singing.

Tyler Pulk, 18, said caroling brings smiles to others.

“They get all happy,” he said. “They just love it.”

He loves that.

One of his favorites is “The First Noel,” because it brings back memories of a former music teacher. “I was a baritone then,” Pulk said. “She used to tell me to really wail that part out.”

Choir members took their place to rehearse another song. Avery struck a few keys on the piano, and said, “two, three, four.” They began, “Joy to the World.”

When untrained people sing Christmas songs, “they’re singing the same part, all in the same note, Avery said. “Whereas a group like this is singing in four-part harmony. You’re getting a fuller song, a concert-style caroling at your home.”

Caroling is not done much anymore, giving way to society’s passion of shopping. There’s more to the season than the hustle and bustle, Avery said. “Even though we’re doing it as a fundraiser, it’s a good thing for people to go out and do.” It spreads cheer, he said.

Their choir’s repertoire includes “Jingle Bells,” “The First Noel,” “Deck the Halls,” “Silent Night,” “Rudolph” or “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”

People may make requests, Patterson said. “We’ll do it if we know it.”

To hire the choir, contact Avery through the high school at 795-4190, ext. 2251, or [email protected]

To see and hear a video of the choir rehearsing, go to www.sunjournal.com

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