South Toms River Elementary Music Teacher Performs At White House

SOUTH TOMS RIVER, NJ -- South Toms River Elementary School teacher Josh Melson received a special opportunity this December, performing at the White House as part of the annual Christmas festivities.

Melson, the school's vocal music and strings teacher, was the piano accompanist on Dec. 19 and 20 for a choir from Cypress, Texas, as the choir performed in the East Room of the White House for the 2017 White House Christmas Tour. The 2017 theme was "Time-Honored Traditions."

Melson also had the privilege of being asked to conduct the choir as they sang two different songs in the East Room, the largest room of the Executive Mansion in the White House.

The East Room also was used in 1800 for the first White House Christmas celebration. President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams hosted that first White House Christmas celebration and it has been a key part of the festivities ever since, according to the tour booklet produced by the White House. (You can view it here.)

The East Room also is home to the display of the White House crèche, an 18th-century terra cotta and wood nativity scene that has been part of the White House decorations annually since 1967, according to the booklet.

The Toms River Regional School District post about Melson's trip did not say whether he met President Donald Trump or First Lady Melania Trump during his performances.

The 2017 decor featured 53 Christmas trees with more than 12,000 ornaments, 18,000 feet of Christmas lights, 71 wreaths, and a 350-pound gingerbread house.

The White House is open to tours during the Christmas season; people have to request tickets well in advance. (You can view the White House Christmas decorations in December by signing up in advance for a White House tour, according to the Christmas tour website.)

Photos via Toms River Regional School District website