The carolers began at the Glockenspiel where they split into two groups that fanned out on both sides of the street looking to bring their voices to as many businesses as possible. A stop at KNUJ even led to a live performance on radio.

“We just expected to go in there and sing for them and they were like ‘let’s just go on the air live,'” senior Amanda Vogel said. “The start wasn’t very good, but we got there.”

The Oak Street Singers – formerly the Payne Street Singers, but renamed to reflect the new location of the high school – is “an extra curricular choral ensemble that students can audition for every spring,” NUHS choir director Dan Olson said. “They are the best of the best, hand-chosen through an audition process.”

In addition to caroling, the Oak Street Singers sing the National Anthem at sporting events, put on three choir concerts throughout the school year, perform at the Eagle Extravaganza and participate in Contest in March, among other events.

Members of New Ulm High Schools Oak Street singers, perform Christmas carols at Ulm Sweet Ulm. The students caroled their way through most of Downtown New Ulm Friday evening. L to R: Elizabeth Pearson, Alyson Leslie, Kelsey Grosam, Everett Brown, Bronwyn Schlagel, Tyson Goold, Sophia Lund and Amanda Vogel. Photo by Peter Engeldinger

But caroling has a special appeal, especially the fun costumes they get to wear.

“Those costumes were meant to represent the 1800s,” Olson said, “the Charles Dickens era, A Christmas Carol.”

The Oak Street Singers had a full day Friday, performing at 12 different venues, including the Brown County Historical Society, Oak Hills living Center, Jefferson Elementary and the downtown business district.

The Oak Street singers visited The Grand Friday as they sang carols throughout New Ulm’s downtown. L to R: Lexi Fluegge, Ellie Anderson, Gage Latozke, Carly Wenninger, Josie Stade and Lily Poehler. Photo by Peter Engeldinger

The Oak Street singers returned to the high school for a quick photo and to perform a couple more songs before heading out for their last round downtown. (left to right) Josh Gordon, Hunter Dauer, Ellie Anderson, Amanda Vogel (back), Lexie Goff (in front of Amanda), Sophia Lund, Tyson Goold, Josie Stade, Everett Brown, Lexi Fluegge (leaning in front), Betsy Joyce (behind Lexi), Bronwyn Schlagel, Alyson Leslie, Gage Latozke (back row), Carly Wenninger (front), Kelsey Grosam (red bow in hat), Warren Peterson (back), Lily Poehler (front), Elizabeth Pearson (right). Photo by Peter Engeldinger