On Tuesday, December 23, a cheerful group of current student and alumni musicians from the Putnam Valley High School Tri-M Music Honor Society donned their Santa hats and reindeer antlers and traveled to various local facilities to spread some holiday cheer.

The "Jolly Troubadours," (as they have come to be known) were accompanied by PVHS band director Ryan Odell, and PVHS parent and musician, Patrick Cummings. The group visited Pine Grove Nursery School in Putnam Valley, North Westchester Restorative Therapy and Nursing Center in Mohegan Lake, the Field Home-Holy Comforter in Cortlandt Manor, and The Seabury at Field Home in Cortlandt Manor.

Mr. Odell, who co-advises the Tri-M Music Honor Society, said, “This year’s group is a sort of Bluegrass-acoustic-woodwind-focused group. It is a great opportunity for the students to use their musical talents to spread a little cheer around the holidays for those who need it. I am very proud to work with these young musicians as they remind all of us what this season is all about.”

The opening set at Pine Grove Nursery School included “Let It Snow,” “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and instrumental versions of “Away in a Manger,” and “What Child is This?” The excited audience of 3 to 5-year-olds sang along with gusto and were able to identify almost every instrument by name.

Pictured from left to right in the accompanying photo taken at Pine Grove Nursery School in Putnam Valley are Ryan Odell on mandolin; Pat Cummings on guitar; Maggie McCarthy, vocals; Emily Kenny and Tess Torregrossa, clarinets; and Tom Peppard, bass clarinet. Not pictured here: Stephanie Stoisits and Melinda Cestaro, flutes; Jackson Gilman-Forlini, vocals. Joanne Peppard, a PVHS teacher aide, is kneeling down front.