Every year on the last day before Christmas break, the CMR staff and students are treated to an arrangement of music put together by the CMR jazz band. Also known as the Russtones, these festive musicians help get everyone into the Christmas spirit through a medley of popular holiday tunes. 

“We play some short, well known [songs] like ‘Jingle Bells,’ ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ and ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.’ Little short ones that are fun and people know,” three-year jazz band member Hailey Finch said. 

Stopping at all four corners of the main halls at CMR, the band entices students out of classrooms during the last period of the day. 

“I love it because, when the kids come out of their classes, they come out and listen and they’re having as much fun as we are. Even if your teacher doesn’t let you come out of class, we’ll be playing, so listen for us,” Finch said.