Complaints Prompt High School’s Ban on Religious Carols

BOSTON — Wellesley High School has banned singing of religious Christmas carols at a holiday concert, and some students say the move is rife with “bah humbug.”

“I think it’s an absolute tragedy,” said Adrienne Leicester, student council president and a participant in the concert.

The ban was made on the recommendation of the Holiday Guidelines Committee, a group of students, parents and administrators established after complaints were made about last year’s concert.

The committee recommended to Supt. Karla DeLetis that holiday activities at the high school, located in an affluent suburb about 10 miles west of Boston, be more sensitive to people of all faiths.

This year the winter concert, scheduled for Sunday, will not include such standards as “Silent Night,” “O Come All Ye Faithful” or “Joy To The World.”

Rather, it will include “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow,” “Sleigh Ride” and “In These Delightful Pleasant Groves.”

Administrators did agree to let students end the program by performing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s “Messiah” because the piece traditionally ends winter concerts, said Sandra Nicolucci, the school system’s music director.