The time-honored tradition of the ECPA Winter Carolers

By Anna Hughes | Photos courtesy of Betsy Markwald Photography

The first holiday song of the season is always special. It signals a familiar, often nostalgic time filled with family, joy, and gratitude.

The Encore Center of Performing Arts (ECPA) knows the power of music, especially during the holidays. As a hub for artistry and sharing local musicianship, they also understand the importance of live performance. The ECPA Winter Carolers program was created to bring both to the community.

What began as a small group of singers visiting homes to thank early ECPA supporters has grown into a popular seasonal tradition.

“It’s unique and special,” ECPA managing director Shawna Roubitchek said. “It’s one thing, I think, to hear a song on the radio, but when you hear these voices in front of you, they are incredible. They give you goose bumps. You get the chills.”

The group is currently made up of local high school choir students who volunteer their time and talents for a special night of festive fun. The students split into two groups of 10-12, traveling to different houses, parties, restaurants, city events, and more, where they’ve been hired to sing. Over a few hours, they perform their repertoire at multiple stops around town.

“We’ve had people purchase them as a gift for someone. We’ve had people purchase them as a neighborhood and gather in a cul-de-sac with all the kids out and playing, and they’ll all get together and have the carolers visit,” Roubitchek explained. “We’ve gone to businesses where they have hired us, and we’ll go and carol to their guests.”

Local high school choir students make up the festive ensemble.

“It’s one thing, I think, to hear a song on the radio,
but when you hear these voices in front of you, they are incredible.”

— Shawna Roubitchek, ECPA Managing Director

The program benefits everyone involved: proceeds support the ECPA, students earn volunteer hours, and guests enjoy a traditional, timeless holiday experience.

“It really is magical,” Roubitchek said. “I think when you couple that with the environment with your family and friends, and then you’re in the holiday season thinking about your loved ones who are far, you’re thinking about giving… I think it’s all of those feelings together at one time that makes it even more magical.”

Since its official start in 2021, the Winter Carolers have become a staple at many events. Families often make their performance part of an annual tradition.

“Beautiful as always,” one listener, Liz, said. “Silent Night always makes me cry — tried so hard to hold it in!”

“The Carolers were wonderful and such a special way to wrap up our evening,” another said.

Beyond spreading holiday cheer, the carolers reflect ECPA’s mission: building a network where local artists and patrons connect through the performing arts.

The group spreads cheer to everyone, young and old, every holiday.

“With the carolers, it’s another way to showcase the talent we have locally,” Roubitchek said. “They’re getting to do this outside of their school or their local choir. They’re getting to put it out into the community to perform in just a more intimate setting.”

This aligns with ECPA’s programming, which brings nationally recognized artists to Elmhurst to interact closely with audiences through music and conversation. Local students also have the chance to engage with these artists, who can offer insight into exploring performing arts careers.

“That gives those kids an opportunity to see, ‘Oh gosh, I can do this. This is my dream, but this can also be my career.’” Roubitchek said.

The caroling program is also a reminder that students can impact their community as well, and these performances might inspire the next generation of musicians.

“We’ve gone to a couple of houses, and it’s been a big family party,” Roubitchek said. “The whole family is there, and the adults will kind of hang toward the back, and the kids will come in their little stocking feet and sit down and watch them sing. And it’s really so sweet. It’s just really touching. And the kids are tapping their toes.”

The ECPA Winter Carolers are organized by Becky Marianetti, York High School Drama Director and Choir Director, and ECPA Board Member. To learn more about opportunities to see these carolers on their upcoming performance day, visit encorecenterforperformingarts.org.