On December 17, 2023, Audacy Philadelphia’s B101 (WBEB-FM) wrapped up B101’s 15^th Annual Christmas Choir Competition with a performance at the Trans-Siberian Orchestra:  Ghosts of Christmas Eve at the Wells Fargo Center on December 17, 2023. Murray Avenue School and Neshaminy High School each performed prior to the performance and were each awarded $5,000 for their school music programs.   

“We are always amazed at the passion and dedication these students and teachers have, and the incredible accomplishments they are able to make amidst the pressure of limited budgets and resources,” said David Yadgaroff, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Philadelphia. “The talent we have right here in our own backyard is amazing and I know I speak for everyone at B101 when I say that we are happy to award prizes to these deserving school music programs.”

In early October 2023, B101 invited schools to submit holiday songs for consideration in the contest. The competition featured two divisions – Kindergarten through 8^th grade and 9^th grade through 12^th grade. Out of 125 entries – the highest number of entries to date – nine semi-finalists were chosen from each division to compete in the competition. Listeners voted for their favorite choir on www.B101Philly.com from November 27 – December 7, 2023.  

The three winners in the K-8 grade division were announced on Friday, December 1, 2023.   Murray Avenue School from Huntingdon Valley, PA captured first place for their performance of “Santa Tell Me” and received a $5,000 cash prize plus performed their song prior to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve on December 17. Second place in the K-8 division and receiving a $2,000 cash prize was Indian Valley Middle School from Harleysville, PA. The third place prize of $1,000 went to Burlington Township Middle School @ Springside from Burlington, NJ.

In the 9-12 grade division, it was Neshaminy High School from Neshaminy, PA performing “Carol of the Bells/Wayfaring Stranger” to win the 1^st place prize of $5,000 in cash plus the opportunity to perform their song prior to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve on December 17. The second place prize of $2,000 in the 9-12 grade division went to Ridley High School from Folsem, PA and the third place prize of $1,000 went to Central Bucks High School South from Warrington, PA.

For photos from the event, please click here.