NEW BERLIN – Christmas carols can be heard echoing in the halls of Unadilla Valley Central School as students prepare for their first “traditional” Christmas concert in seven years.

In years past, UV has backed away from conducting a traditional concert filled with carols and holiday cheer. Although the auditorium was packed for the holiday concert years ago, some of the feedback was negative, therefore, future Christmas concerts instead had a “beach party” theme.

Upon the arrival of this holiday season. Superintendent Rex Hurlburt and the board of education along with principals Frank Johnson and Steve Griffin decided to make the change and have a Christmas concert performed once again.

Ever since the cancellation of the traditional concert, Music Directors Paul and Meredith Hudson have held an annual “California beach party” and barbeque. There was no Christmas music, no decorations, and as Meredith says, “not a sign of Christmas in sight.”