A deeper look at Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia's ‘Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along’ tradition

Originally published on The JOLT News on December 18, 2025

As the world transforms each day and breaking news breaks our sense of normality, we need traditions that regulate us and reconnect us to our humanity.

Traditions do not happen overnight, and need to be protected and nourished to survive our chaotic reality. Thus, when I hear that a tradition has been going on for 25 years, my heart immediately fills with hope.  

Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia (SOGO) has been putting on the free "Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along" since their inception in 2000.

“We knew we wanted to give back to the community, something that was a celebratory event, there was not a community sing-along like that at the time,” Artistic Director Greg Allison shared.

The effort began in small churches and over time made its way to the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Olympia where it now resides each holiday season. 

Anyone who has attended the event knows just how special it is. People of all religious or nonreligious beliefs have found comfort in the beauty of music, and cherish being part of the community that gathers together for this event.  

Mark your calendars! This year, the free "Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along" will be held Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.

This year, Nickolas Carlson will be conducting the orchestra, and soloists Danielle Tobin, Brianna Kramer, Ryne Olson and John Guarente will be adding the cherry on top to what is going to be a stunning performance.  

As we anticipate the upcoming event, let's take a deeper look into this tradition and what it has meant to our community.  

At the heart of it 

“We usually ask for people to share stories at the event,” Allison said. “People will sometimes bring their own scores (each with a story of their own), or we often have people who have sung this with their parents or grandparents.”

In my conversation with Greg and his wife, Krina Allison, I got to hear some of those stories.  

Rather than hear it in my own words, I will let those patrons tell you about it themselves. Below, you will find a collection of direct quotes and feedback given to SOGO over the years about the Messiah event. Be sure to grab a box of kleenex before you read these:  

In their own words 

“After the Messiah one year, a young boy in front of me said to his mother, ‘Mummy, my heart feels funny in my chest.’ She replied, ‘That is the feeling of exhilaration.’ ‘Is that bad?’ he asked. ‘No,’ replied his mom. ‘Good, then I want to come back every year!’”  

“I come because I love to hear my wife sing.” 

“Being part of the annual Messiah performance was one of the most unforgettable and enlightening experiences of my life. The music and words really reached the core of my soul.” 

 “I come for the thrill of live music.” 

“Last year, my husband was recovering from a cancer surgery, but I came and sang. This year he came, and we as bass and alto sang together. Praise the Lord, he is well!” 

“A wonderful time to relax and soak in what Christmas is really all about.” 

“I sat next to my 14-year-old son singing the Messiah for his first time at a sing-along. It was a really touching experience.” 

“I accidentally wound up in the soprano section! I am a bass! I was very hoarse afterwards!” 

Reflections 

Among the stories I heard was one where someone felt alone, hopeless and eager to give up. Then, this individual came to the Messiah sing-along and the hope, joy, love and beauty of the event rekindled their heart, gave them a sense of belonging, and brought in a fresh air that empowered them to move forward in a positive direction.  

Allison reflected, “You know, not very often do you get the audience to be able to sing and in our sing-along, they get to be part of the performance, they are not just listeners.”

He added, “Even if someone is ‘not singing right,’ they are probably next to someone that is and that brings a whole other perspective or experience that they won’t have if they are at a performance where you just listen. (When you sing along), it’s quite different because it is all around you, and I think that immersive experience is what draws people there and the tradition of (carrying on traditions in your family).”  

That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown — togetherness, hope, light, love and joy. May we remember and carry these moments in our hearts, and allow them to influence the way we treat one another, all year round.  

https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/a-deeper-look-at-student-orchestras-of-greater-olympias-handels-messiah-sing-along,27418