Downloaded from YTS.MX
Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX
♪
(applause)
Hey, everyone.
I'm Abby Walker and I am so honoured
to have been selected to perform tonight
here at the Emerging Artists Christmas Showcase.
I wanna play a song for you that I wrote recently.
It's a Christmas song called "Christmas Without You".
I hope you like it.
It's an Abby Walker original.
(clearing throat)
♪ Mmm, mmm ♪
♪ There's always somethin' special ♪
♪ About this time of year ♪
♪ Snowflakes falling 'round ♪
♪ And people spreading that Christmas cheer ♪
♪ Lights on all the houses ♪
♪ A magic feeling in the air ♪
♪ It'll be a perfect Christmas ♪
♪ Just a long as you are there ♪
♪ 'Cause Christmas isn't Christmas without you ♪
♪ Forget about the holly and the mistletoe too ♪
♪ Stockings hung with care ♪
♪ Won't matter if you aren't there ♪
♪ 'Cause Christmas isn't Christmas without you ♪
♪ I know there is a reason ♪
♪ Why I'm all lit up inside ♪
♪ Maybe it's deckin' the Christmas tree ♪
♪ With you right by my side ♪
♪ All year round there is one thing that I know ♪
♪ Like the star upon the tree ♪
♪ Baby, you glow ♪
♪ 'Cause Christmas isn't Christmas without you ♪
♪ Forget about the holly and the mistletoe too ♪
♪ Stockings hung with care ♪
♪ Won't matter if you aren't there ♪
♪ 'Cause Christmas isn't Christmas without you ♪
♪ Oh, Christmas isn't Christmas without you ♪
♪ Christmas isn't Christmas... ♪
Without you.
(applause and cheering)
Thanks so much! - (phone notification dinging)
Abby: You all have been so awesome.
Man: Bravo!
(soft music playing over stereo)
I loved your song.
Thanks so much.
You have an amazing talent.
Oh my gosh.
You're Casey Macey.
The Casey Macey, the superstar, likes my song.
(chuckling)
My label's looking for a Christmas single for me.
Maybe we could team up and write something?
Uh, yeah! I'd love to. Of course.
It would be an honour to work with you.
Wow.
Set it up with my manager.
♪
Abby: So, have you heard from Casey's manager?
It's been what, over a month now?
I'm sorry, honey.
They never got back to me about a meeting,
but that's the way things are in the biz.
There'll be other opportunities.
Well, you think we could send my song out to labels?
Or maybe someone else is looking for an opener?
Abby, I've been trying to pitch you as an artist
all over town for almost a year now.
No one's responded yet.
But, I do have a ton of offers
for you to write songs for commercials.
Commercials? Like advertisements?
It's a booming industry. Very lucrative.
You'd be perfect.
What do you say? - I don't know.
Writing commercials seems a bit soul-killing.
I'm an artist.
Well, I know it's no Casey Macey,
but um, it's a good living.
And you need to pay rent, right?
I guess I could try.
- McKayla? - Yes?
Brenda: Email Abby those commercial gigs.
Oh, and make me a smoothie. You know what I like.
We'll be in touch.
(music playing over radio)
♪ There's always something special ♪
♪ About this time of year ♪
What is that?
I think that's Casey Macey's new single.
It's catchy, huh?
That's my song. I wrote that song!
Well, I know a lot of these Christmas songs sound similar,
but no, I think it's different.
Casey Macey stole my song!
♪ As long as you are there ♪
♪ 'Cause Christmas isn't Christmas without you ♪
♪ Forget about the holly and the mistletoe too ♪
♪ Stockings hung with care ♪
(music continuing from phone, phone vibrating)
♪ Won't matter if you aren't there ♪
♪ 'Cause Christmas isn't Christmas without you ♪
Whitney: Whoops!
(phone vibrating)
(music stopping) Sorry.
Love that song.
And I can take that call later.
(clearing throat)
Anyways, Seventh Heaven paper towels
are the softest in the market.
We know that.
We just need our audience to know that. So Abby,
if you could be sure to write some lyrics about softness,
maybe some absorbency,
that'd be fantastic.
But focus on the softness,
because people love soft paper towels.
- (people murmuring agreement) - Sure, no problem. Softness.
Mission statement,
good for everyone, affordable...
(Casey singing) ♪ Lights on all the houses ♪
♪ A magic feeling in the air ♪
♪ It'll be a perfect Christmas ♪
♪ Just a long as you are there ♪
(music over speakers)
♪ 'Cause Christmas isn't Christmas without you ♪
I hate this song.
What? It's so catchy!
You used to love Christmas songs.
I still do, but this one just reminds me a little too much
of something I wrote.
- How's the songwriting going? - It's not.
You know, I'm pretty busy with work these days.
Ugh, Abby, you're so busy with these commercials
that you're never gonna have time to focus on your own songs.
Whitney, I am writing this commercial for you.
Is this your way of firing me?
Of course not.
But at this point, I'm more concerned for you
as a friend than a coworker.
Commercials aren't where your heart is.
You don't even sing them for us anymore.
I mean, when's the last time you performed in front of anyone?
I can't remember.
When I first met you,
you had these big dreams of being an artist,
of releasing your first Christmas hit.
What happened?
I guess I just haven't been
in the Christmas spirit lately, you know?
Well, you haven't been in the Christmas spirit
because you don't have any Christmas decorations
at your house. - I have a tree.
Well, it's tiny, it's busted, and your mother sent it to you.
Maybe you should go home for the holidays.
You're always telling me how well your hometown
does Christmas. - No, I can't do that.
I have to turn in this paper towel song,
got one for a hardware store,
a frozen yogurt commercial that's due.
Maybe going home will inspire you
to write your own songs again.
Whitney, I am perfectly capable of writing a Christmas song
without going home to Bellville.
♪ Without you ♪
♪ I put gifts in your stockings ♪
♪ For when you awake ♪
♪ I even ♪
♪ Decided to make you.... ♪
♪ Fruitcake ♪
Oh my gosh. Agh, so bad!
(sighing)
(phone dialling, ringing)
- Cynthia on phone: Hi, honey. - Hey, Mom.
I think I will come home for Christmas this year.
♪
- I can't believe you're here! - I can't believe it either!
Hey, Mom!
- I'm so glad you're back. - I'm happy to be back.
Oh!
And I'm staying for a few days.
You can let go.
- Do I have to? - (chuckling)
I got all your favourites in the kitchen.
Come on, come on. Take your coat off.
(whispering) Great to be home.
- (Cynthia giggling) - Okay, Mom,
I love you but you're smooshing me again.
Oh, I'm sorry, honey. Here.
Have some hot cider. - Thanks.
Nice slippers! What are those, polar bears?
Mm-hm. Don't worry, I got you a pair too.
They're in your room.
- Perfect. - (chuckling)
So, how long you staying? - Just through Christmas.
Oh. You sure you don't wanna stay longer?
They are looking for a co-director
of the music department at my school.
- Mom... - You'd be perfect.
..I have a whole life in New York.
I know, I know.
Abby: I see you bought more ornaments?
I don't think you could possibly fit
any more Christmas decorations in this house.
They're for the annual Christmas pageant.
(chuckling) I'm in charge this year.
Oh. Being principal isn't enough work?
Well, it's kind of a big deal.
It's our school's turn to host the whole ceremony.
- Oh, nice! - Speaking of school,
you should swing by and maybe check out
the old stomping grounds?
- I think I will. - Mm-hm?
- I'll bring sandwiches. - That sounds great!
♪
(school bell ringing)
- Hey! - Oh! Whoa!
There goes lunch.
Oh, uh--
Um-- (sighing) Sorry.
It's okay. I wasn't hungry anyway.
(chuckling) Starving.
Okay. Hey, are you the new sub?
Huh?
Can you watch my class for a little bit?
I got a bit of a tuba situation.
Uh, I don't work here, Sir.
Sorry, but good luck with your situation!
Cynthia: Yeah, um, if you could just come down to the school...
- Where do I sign in? - Hi. Go over there.
Oh, thanks.
Hi, honey. Take a seat.
Sorry about that. Yes. Two o'clock would be great.
Thank you. That would be great, superintendent.
I really look forward to speaking to you about the--
All right. Let's hurry this up, Ethan.
I gotta get back to my students
that actually play their instruments in class.
I'm telling you, Mr. Tucker, you can send me
to the principal's office all you want,
but it will not make me enjoy playing the triangle.
Who says you have to enjoy it?
You just have to hit two pieces of steel together.
And not text in my class.
I wasn't texting! I was reading.
- What were you reading? - Kerouac.
Hi, honey.
Okay, I love Kerouac.
- Right? The sense of freedom? - Possibilities.
It's like-- it's like an adventure.
Okay, so, what did you do this time?
- He was reading in music class. - Oh, better than texting.
What can I say? You guys won't let me graduate
without taking an arts elective.
Please come in.
Honey, I'm sorry. Can we reschedule?
Duty calls. - No problem.
The sandwiches got ruined anyway.
But I have a lot of work to do, so.
You should work in the music rehearsal room.
One should be free.
Maybe I will. Thanks!
See you at dinner, Mom.
Travis, Linda called about the set decorations
for the pageant? - Mm-hm.
And Sandra dropped these off for you. Costumes.
You'll have to decide who's wearing what.
Fabulous.
- Good luck! - Thanks.
Perfect.
Okay.
Where to start?
♪ Soft as a daydream ♪
♪ Gentle to touch ♪
♪ I never knew I could love you so much ♪
♪ You absorb all my spills ♪
♪ No matter how large ♪
♪ You're all that I'll use
♪ When I have a discha-- ♪
Oh, no. That's-- That's not right.
Um--
♪ You absorb all my spills, no matter how big ♪
(chuckling) Am I-- hearing things
or did you just do an ode to paper towel?
I'm Travis. I'm the band teacher.
Your voice is lovely, by the way.
Oh, thanks. Yeah, I write songs for commercials.
Really? That's an interesting job.
Thanks. It actually keeps me pretty busy.
So, if you don't mind...
So, you make a living songwriting
without even having to write real songs?
Oh, no, oh, no. I didn't mean--
You know what I mean.
I don't, actually. What exactly do you mean?
Uh, I guess I'm saying that your music is more--
marketing than art, right?
And I suppose you're a pure artistic musician?
(phone notification dinging)
I like to think so.
Oh, it's from your mom.
(sighing)
"Talk to Billy about the lighting
"and sound system for the pageant."
Well, sounds like you have your hands full
of purely artistic musical tasks.
I'll leave you to it.
(chuckling) Touché.
♪
So, what's the deal with that guy?
- What guy, honey? - The band teacher, Travis?
Oh, isn't he great? He just started this year.
He seems kind of rude.
Oh, he just has his hands full.
He's juggling the whole music department by himself right now.
And his class is performing the tree ceremony.
Hope he can handle the pressure.
Oh, I'm sure he'll be great. He used to teach
at one of those fancy performing arts schools in New York.
We're lucky to have him!
Wow. If he taught at such a fancy school,
why'd he come to Bellville?
I think his dad retired here and he wanted to be closer to him.
You know, you could do the same thing.
- Mom. - We could see each other
all the time and no more back and forth from New York.
That'd be very nice, but you know my job is in New York.
(sighing) I had to try.
♪
We could continue this conversation later,
but my vote's fairly set.
I know you care about the arts program,
but the way the budget's lining up,
it just might not make sense to keep it.
I really hope we can change your mind, superintendent.
Have a good day.
Hey, Mom.
Thought I'd try again with sandwiches.
Hey, honey.
Everything okay?
- Uh-- - Oh, Travis.
Hi. - Hey.
Hello, Travis.
How's the song for the pageant coming along?
"Deck the Halls" is one of my favourites.
It's good. It's good, yeah.
Um, although, I still have to sort the set decoration.
And the lighting.
And the costumes.
It would really help if we could fill that co-director position.
Abby, you'll fill in, right?
What? Mom, you know I'm super busy.
Yeah, no.
I meant fill the position down the road.
I mean, I can handle it.
Well, I wasn't gonna mention this,
but we just got some terrible news.
What's wrong?
I just found out that the school board
is thinking about taking our performing arts funding away.
Oh, no! Why would they do that?
They wanna give the money to sports.
They get most of the money anyway.
The superintendent is just one of those people
who doesn't see the value in arts.
- That's terrible. - Yeah. The problem is,
the board takes most of their voting cues from him.
They're voting right after the Christmas pageant.
Okay. So, here's what you're gonna do.
You have to make this the best pageant ever.
You have to convince him
the students need these arts programs.
So you'll help, right? You'll fill in?
Just for now.
I mean, I guess an extra hand couldn't hurt, right?
Please, honey. We really need you.
Please, it's only temporary.
Okay. I'll do it. I'll help.
(chuckling) Thank you.
Travis: Good.
(birds chirping)
I can't believe I got roped into this.
Whitney on phone: Yikes.
Sounds like a mess.
So, tell me more about this guy.
- Abby: What guy? - The band teacher!
What's he like?
He's whatever.
(scoffing) He's all over the place.
- Is he cute? - (woman squealing nearby)
What? No!
I don't know.
He's adequate. - Mmm, he's "adequate".
(glass shattering nearby)
I'm not talking about this anymore.
(people shouting, music playing)
Um, I have to go deal with this.
The employees get a little nuts during these Christmas parties.
But I'm sorry you're going through
what you're going through.
It's okay. Thanks for listening.
- Good luck tomorrow, okay? - Thanks. I'll need it.
- Awesome. - (glass shattering)
Hey. Hey, you!
(sighing)
♪
Everybody, we have a very special guest joining us today.
I would like for you to welcome Abby Walker.
- Hi! - Kids: Hi.
Travis: This is Principal Walker's daughter.
And uh, she's gonna be helping us out
for the next few weeks,
just before the tree ceremony performance.
Now, she writes music for commercials,
so she knows what she's doing.
Really? That's cool.
Would you sing us one?
Oh, no. (nervous chuckling)
It's been a while since I've sung for anyone.
I heard you singing yesterday and you were great.
Yeah, sing for us.
Students: Sing! Sing! Sing! Sing! Sing!
(inhaling)
Okay. Fine.
Uh, how about this one?
Um, let's see. (plays single note on the piano)
Okay.
♪ When you know it's time to go ♪
♪ Time to leave it behind ♪
♪ When you say it's been a day ♪
♪ That you just can't define ♪
♪ They'll be there ♪
♪ Always caring ♪
♪ To carry you through ♪
♪ 'Cause your best friend won't leave you ♪
♪ And neither will Chew ♪
(applause and murmurs) Girl: Wow.
Wow.
Your voice is incredible.
That was actually moving. That's a commercial?
Yeah, for the dog food ad?
Uh, with the golden retriever and the kid?
Oh, yeah!
You should sing for our performance.
- Yes! - (kids murmuring agreement)
That's a great idea. It would really impress
the superintendent with your singing.
Oh, no. I don't think so.
I don't want to take away from you guys.
Oh, you wouldn't be. I mean, I feel like
it would really bring everything together.
- (kids agreeing) - Enough about me.
How about I hear your performance song?
You heard the woman. You ready?
Let's show her a bit of what we got.
Ugh.
Really, Ethan?
Sorry.
One, two, three, and--
(band playing "Deck the Halls")
♪
Excellent.
You guys are getting better every day.
What do you think?
It sounds amazing!
- Yeah? - Absolutely.
May I make a tiny comment?
- Be my guest. - Okay.
You guys sound really good,
but I can tell that you're trying so hard
to make everything perfect
that you're not really feeling the music.
Well, there's nothing wrong with perfection. Right?
Well, the audience won't notice technique
but they will notice if the music makes them feel something.
But, proper technique is important too.
You need to have a solid understanding
of the fundamentals of music if you're gonna be any good at it.
Sure!
But if you get bogged down
with too much of that stuff, it's going to feel like school.
Yeah, well, this is school. Right?
All I'm saying is that,
you know, if you just relax a little
and try to feel the music in your heart,
your piece will really soar. - Like your commercial soared?
Kids: Ooh!
Oof.
Dude.
(sighing) You know what?
You're the one who wanted my help.
No, I--
(door closing)
Nice one, Mr. Tucker.
You really know how to charm the ladies.
- (kids chuckling) - Thank you, Ethan.
Abby: I was right. He is so rude.
I don't know why I'm doing this if he's just gonna insult me.
He probably didn't mean anything by it, honey.
Well, he basically called me a sellout.
Well, are you passionate about those commercials you write?
Not really.
You're such a great singer and songwriter.
I don't know why you stopped! Did something happen?
Nothing happened,
I just got busy with life, that's all. You know?
I'm an adult. It happens.
It doesn't have to happen.
Well, I'm just glad tomorrow is Saturday.
I'll be happy not to see Travis.
(chickadee chirping)
- Abby? Abby. - Oh, no.
- About yesterday. - It's the weekend, Travis.
I'm trying to do some Christmas shopping?
I know, I just thought maybe I could buy you a coffee
and apologise properly? - That's really not necessary.
Please?
(sighing)
Fine.
I didn't know what you wanted,
so I just sorta got one of everything.
Well, if you're trying to bribe me with sugar,
you're off to a good start.
Okay, let's see what we got here.
I think we got off on the wrong foot.
That's an understatement.
I've just been really overwhelmed
with this whole performance thing and um,
I took it out on you and I'm sorry.
Whatever, it's fine.
So we can start over?
I'm Travis.
I'm the music teacher at Bellville High School.
- Seriously? - Just go with it.
Hi, I'm Abby.
Nice to meet you, Abby.
My class has a very important
Christmas pageant performance coming up.
The whole department's kind of counting on it going well,
and I could really use your help.
What do you say?
Travis, I've already agreed to help.
Fine!
I would be happy to help.
Thank you.
And again, I'm, uh--
I'm really sorry that I insulted you.
Apology accepted.
'Cause really, um,
I'm quite impressed by you, actually.
Really?
Yeah, you're chasing your dreams.
You make a living off songwriting!
Right.
Thanks.
Truce?
Truce.
So, I'll see you there on Monday.
I'll be there.
Perfect.
So, your turn.
All three.
- Is that a part of the truce? - Yummy.
(band playing)
Okay, guys. I wanna try something
a little different today.
Instead of practice we have free period?
No, Ethan. Not that.
I got some logistical stuff I gotta do for the performance,
so, Abby is gonna take over teaching today.
(kids reacting)
What?
Yeah, what?
(chuckling)
I think we could use another perspective.
We do want this performance to be perfect, right?
Yeah, but that doesn't mean I need to take over.
Yeah, with all due respect, Mr. Tucker,
we don't have that many practices left.
We can't afford to just waste time.
Travis: It'll be great, okay?
And I will be right over there, so all of you...
listen to what she says.
Okay?
Okay. Um--
Well, now that I have your attention...
Let's see. Uh--
Can anyone tell me what the number one rule in music is?
Come on, anybody.
Um, what's the number one rule in music?
Yes, uh--
Travis: Yeah, Lila.
Tone?
Tone? That's good.
Uh, any other ideas?
Yes. - Pitch?
Pitch, okay.
That's also good.
Anyone else?
Uh, rhythm?
Rhythm, all right.
So, these are all very important,
but the number one rule in music is there are no rules.
What makes a great musician is listening.
Their ability to listen is everything.
And you need to listen to what's around you, okay?
You have two ears, one mouth,
so you should be listening twice as much as you're playing,
and you should be having fun.
But shouldn't we practice the song?
Well, you can practice and have fun.
There are many ways of practicing and improving
at the same time. And, you know,
one great way to practice and have fun
is to play with your favourite songs.
But we're not playing our favourite song for the pageant.
Yes, you're right. You're not.
But still great ear training.
And you need to train your ears so you can trust your ears
and train your ears to trust your intuition.
And that will make the difference
between a bad performance and a great performance.
That all sounds cool,
but I don't see how we can do all of that
in time to get the perfect song for the performance.
Well, it doesn't need to be perfect.
You just need to make the audience feel something.
Okay?
So, let's give it a try.
And a-one, a-two, a-one, two, three, and--
(band playing "Deck the Halls")
Feel the music!
Close your eyes if you need to.
(band playing mechanically)
(band playing swing version of "Deck the Halls")
♪
(trumpet playing flat note)
♪
Excellent! Yes, guys. Yes!
That's what we're talking about. - Girl: That was awesome!
Abby: Living in the moment.
Feeling the music!
Hey, Abby. Wait, wait, wait, wait.
Hey. - Hey, Travis.
What do you say we have lunch together?
I-- it's Caputo's. - You got me.
(chuckling)
And you bought coffee too!
Can we talk about how you were a natural back there?
What were you, a teacher in a past life?
I actually used to give music lessons on the side
when I was in college.
I really loved it, actually. - Yeah, I-- it shows.
So, how are the commercials going?
You don't really care about those, do you?
Um, I mean, I do.
It's just, uh,
I guess, what I really wanna hear
is something that you've written that you care about.
Well, there's this one Christmas song I've been toying with.
But-- - Okay! Well, there you go.
Sing it for me!
(clearing throat)
Okay. Um--
♪ Silent night filled with music now ♪
♪ And each moment's like a Christmas wish come true ♪
♪ Even though choirs are singin' ♪
♪ Their songs of joy and praise ♪
♪ My favourite Christmas Melody is you ♪
Wha?
Abby, that was beautiful.
I want, you know, just a little bit more time to work on it.
I just haven't gotten to it.
I've been so busy serenading people with-- sandwich bags.
(chuckling)
Well, I think you need to make time,
because it's really great.
I mean, I'm impressed.
- Oh, please. - I'm impressed!
- Well, I don't know. Whatever. - I'm serious!
You get paid for writing songs.
It's a lot more than I've ever done.
I used to have a-- a dream of being a composer, but--
- Really? - Yeah, yeah.
But I never swung for it.
It always seemed like too much of a risk.
Well, it is a lot of work,
but it's never too late to reach for your dreams.
No. No.
Well, I'm not exactly pursuing my real dreams either, you know?
Well, what are your real dreams?
To be a musical artist.
To sing Christmas songs like the one I just showed you.
Okay, I love that! Why aren't you doing that?
Well, my official excuse is work.
But, honestly, I just haven't been really inspired lately.
I only have that one verse.
Well, what's holding you back?
I'm not sure.
I just thought coming back here
would spark or light a fire under me,
get that Christmas spirit back.
It's just-- nothing's worked so far.
Okay, I see now.
You just need a little Christmas cheer.
Something like that.
Well then...it's a good thing that we're hanging out
because I don't know if anyone told you
but I'm kinda like the king of Christmas around this town.
- The king of Christmas, huh? - Oh yeah, big time.
(laughing) That's a pretty big statement
considering you live in Bellville.
Yeah.
We are like "the" capital of Christmas here.
- Mm-hm. - You're not even from here.
Well, why do you think I moved here?
I thought you moved here for your dad.
Well, no, I did. You're right.
But I mean, the Christmas thing was a huge draw!
You know what?
I am gonna make it my personal mission
to help you get back your Christmas spirit.
- What? - Yeah.
Why?
Well, take it as a thank you for helping me with class.
And how exactly are you gonna do that?
(sighing)
I'm not sure yet.
But I will do it. You just wait and see.
Whatever you say.
♪
- Hey, baby. - Hey, Mom. What's all this?
I'm stringing garland to help decorate for the tree ceremony.
You wanna help?
Oh, I'd love to but I was just about to get back to work.
Oh, okay.
That's okay, baby.
You know what?
I can take a break. - Yay!
So, how are the kids sounding, co-director?
Temporary co-director.
I'm just saying, you'd fit in really well around here.
I like having you home, honey.
I like being home, Mom.
(crunching) Is this butter?
Stop eating the decorations!
Travis: Remember what Abby taught you.
Listen to what's being played and feel the music.
(Band playing jazzy version of "Deck the Halls")
♪
Very, very nice, guys!
I really feel like Abby's suggestions
really helped out on that one. What do you think?
- It was amazing. - Right?
Oh, yeah.
But Ethan, bud!
You look bored to tears!
(students chuckling)
We want to show the superintendent passion.
There must be something about music that you like.
Have you tried any other instruments?
The pageant is next week.
We don't have time to be adding new instruments into the mix.
Okay, well, wait. I mean, Abby could be right.
Maybe it'll make the performance better.
We won't know until we try.
Well, are there any other instruments that you wanna try
or others that you played and actually liked?
I mean, I've played a little piano before.
Okay, great! Uh, show us what you got.
It's okay. Just play what you can.
(Slow, soft jazz version of "Deck the Halls")
♪
(adding flourishes)
(surprised chuckling)
♪
(song ending)
Ethan, you can play the piano!
A little bit.
(laughing) What?! Are you--
That's incredible!
Why didn't you tell me you could do that?
I don't know! I guess I never really thought of it.
Um-- (sighing)
I just didn't see the point.
It's not like I'm gonna do anything with it anyway.
Why would you think that?
Ethan: I already know what I'm doing with my life.
I'm taking over my family's restaurant.
There's no reason you can't do both.
Just seems like a waste of time, I guess.
I have to do cooking classes, business courses.
You have to play in the Christmas pageant.
Oh, I don't think that's a good idea.
You won't have to play triangle anymore.
Deal.
Wow.
I swear, these kids surprise me every day.
No kidding.
So I was thinking, uh, what are you doing tonight?
Tonight?
Nothing. Why?
Well, I did promise that I would help you
get your Christmas spirit back,
and the music room is missing a Christmas tree.
Ah! You wanna decorate a Christmas tree together?
Yeah, why not? I mean, the kids'll love it
and I'm assuming you haven't done one this year yet?
Try five years.
All the more reason! So, what do you say?
Music room at 7:00? - Okay. Let's do it.
Okay.
Ooh, is this a date?
What? No!
It's just a Christmas thing.
Enjoying the season or whatever.
It just seems like the two of you
decorating a tree alone at night,
it kinda seems like a date to me.
- Well, it's not. - Oh.
He is single. And kinda handsome?
You want me to start hounding you about your love life?
- Absolutely not. - Thank you.
Bye, Mom. Love you! - Love you, sweetheart.
Have fun on your non-date.
(Casey singing on radio) ♪ Mm ♪
♪ It's always something special ♪
So, is this your personal tree decorating playlist?
Yeah, it's got all the modern Christmas classics.
I can't help myself.
Well, you are the king of Christmas, after all.
And don't you forget it! (chuckling)
Oh, I love this one.
♪ As long as you are there ♪
♪ Christmas isn't Christmas without you ♪
♪ Forget about the holly ♪
♪ And the mistletoe too ♪
Come on, sing it with me.
♪ Stockings hung with care ♪
♪ Won't matter if you aren't there ♪
♪ 'Cause Christmas isn't Christmas without you ♪
Come on, sing it! - I'm good, thanks.
Oh, come on! You're no fun.
Come on, you're my Christmas apprentice.
You must do as I say!
Look, I don't want to, okay?!
♪ All year round ♪
Ugh, my gosh. I didn't mean to snap.
The song is fine, I just--
No, no, it's cool.
I'd uh-- I'd lash out too if I had to listen to me sing.
Maybe we need a cookie break.
You know, get my blood sugar up.
I think I'm just hangry. - All right. Yeah.
Hey, did you bring any of your mother's ginger snap cookies?
You bet I did.
Oh, I think you just saved Christmas.
I may or may not have some hot cider stashed around here.
- Ooh, you just levelled up! - Come on.
Phew.
- Here you are, your cider, Madam.
- Thanks. - It's hot.
So, you've been holding out on me.
What do you mean?
You can sing.
Ah-ho!
I thought you said you were a composer.
Yeah, well, there's a lot you don't know about me.
I actually wrote a verse for that Christmas song
that you showed me the other day.
I hope I'm not imposing.
No way!
Of course not. - Well, I'm not as good as you.
I should probably just leave it to the professionals.
Don't be silly.
I'd love to hear it sometime.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
How 'bout now?
All right, I'm uh--
a little nervous showing you this,
but uh, I mean, it's probably gonna be terrible.
Play it for me!
All right.
Here's the new verse that I wrote.
♪ This December could last a year ♪
♪ I'd be happy and I'd still be wantin' more ♪
♪ With the fire here before us ♪
♪ And winter's quiet hum ♪
♪ Still my favourite Christmas melody is you ♪
That sounds good.
(sighing) I know it's your song,
and I don't wanna edge in on your creativity, I just--
you said you were stuck and I thought maybe
some additional lyrics might help to spark something.
Well.
"With the fire here before us and winter's quiet hum."
That's poetry.
I love it. - Really? You like it?
No, I love it.
You know, you keep trying to put yourself in the background
but you really deserve to be in the spotlight.
I could say the same about you.
I wrote "Christmas Without You".
I'm sorry?
That Casey Macey song?
That's why I reacted the way I did
when we were decorating the tree.
(chuckling) What do you mean, you wrote--
I mean, that would be amazing. It's a super big hit.
Well, for her it was.
She heard me sing it at a showcase.
She even said she wanted to collaborate with me
and then she decided that she really didn't need me after all.
Are you saying that she stole it?
I couldn't really prove it.
My manager hired a lawyer and--
(sighing)
--just, she said there was nothing
that we could even do about it legally
because of the copyright laws.
(sighing)
I mean, it's no wonder you lost your inspiration.
That's horrible. I'm so sorry that happened to you.
You know, I've never told anyone that story before.
Well, your secret's safe with me.
Thanks.
Well, this new song, it just needs a chorus
and I was thinking maybe you could write it with me.
Really?
Yeah!
I'd love that, yeah!
Um, I mean, I'm free tomorrow.
I mean, unless you have a date or something like that.
Oh no, I don't. But if you do--
I don't.
Uh, it's getting pretty late.
So--
we probably better get going.
Yeah. No, it is late.
Yeah.
♪
(band playing swing version of "Deck the Halls")
♪
Travis: You guys are killin' it!
Abby: Not this. Not this.
Definitely not this.
(sighing) I have nothing to wear.
I thought you were just writing a song together.
What does it matter what you wear?
It doesn't. I just don't wanna look bad, you know?
Mm-hm. You like him.
What? No.
Don't lie to me.
Whitney.
Abby.
(doorbell ringing)
He's here. I gotta go.
Hey.
Hi.
I brought these.
You brought me flowers?
Um, they're for your mom, actually.
Oh.
Did I hear "flowers"?
(chuckling) They're beautiful, Travis. Thank you.
If you'll excuse me,
I have about a billion cookies to cook for this weekend.
You want some help?
I thought you guys were writing.
No reason we can't do both!
Oh, well, I'd love the help, honey. Thank you.
Sorry this isn't the easiest way to write a song.
Oh, I don't know. Maybe it'll be an innovative new way
of unleashing our creativity.
It feels like old times and I'm a giddy child.
(giggling)
Wait, that sounds good.
Let's remember that. - Hmm.
Or maybe something like--
♪ And Christmas lights shine ♪
And--
♪ And I can't help but--
♪ Keep on basking in you ♪
That's really special.
Write that down.
And then we slide up like this.
Yeah! Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- All right. Well, uh... - Yeah.
♪
(soft chatter under music)
- I can play a C a little-- - Yeah.
- (chuckling) Okay. - Yes!
♪
♪ Still my favourite Christmas melody is you ♪
♪ Hmm ♪
Oh my goodness.
Gosh, it's so good! - Ah, it's so good.
I think we should send it out.
What, like to labels?
Yeah, is that crazy?
I think it's too good to keep to ourselves.
I have a friend that I went to high school with
who works at a management company.
I-- I could reach out.
Maybe we should send it through my agent Brenda.
It'll be more official.
Perfect.
Yeah.
(composing text) Let me know your thoughts.
Think we have a winner.
(phone notification dinging)
There. Sent.
Wow. Oh!
I CC'ed you, so you have a copy of the recording too.
Awesome.
What if she doesn't like it?
How could she not like it? It's objectively incredible.
Is it?
Look, even if she doesn't like it,
you're still more impressive than 99% of the people out there
that don't have the guts to follow their dreams!
And we made an amazing song.
So no matter what, we always have this.
You're right.
Besides, there's no way she won't love it!
Oh, I can't wait for us to get in the studio
and record this next big Christmas hit!
Right? I--
"Us"?
Yeah, you're my partner, right?
Partner?
I mean...yeah.
Partner.
Yeah!
Ooh, I just love that song you were singing.
You two work well together.
(band finishing song)
Guys, we are lookin' so good for this performance!
I wanna mix it up a little bit.
Don't you think we should keep practicing?
The pageant's in three days!
We've practiced enough.
I want us to loosen up and have some fun.
Said no winner ever.
(students chuckling)
All right, we're gonna try a new song.
It's called "A Christmas Melody"
and Abby and I wrote it.
(students' impressed reactions)
You guys wrote this?
- Mm-hm. - Ethan: Cool.
Oh, yeah.
So, you can take one yourselves
and pass one to the row behind you.
Sorry the sheet music is handwritten
but take it home, give it a try.
(school bell ringing)
Okay. Your homework is to practice this new piece
and we'll take a look at it next week, all right?
- Girl: Okay, thank you! - Boy: Thank you, Sir.
(chatter)
- So, had an idea. - What's that?
Gingerbread houses.
Mmm.
I found some kits in my mom's pantry.
I like where your head's at.
So, this evening? Uh, my house?
I'll be there.
Cool.
- Good work, everybody. - Thank you.
- Boy: Bye. - Girl: Bye.
Oh, Ethan. Hold back a sec.
What up, Mr. Tucker? - Travis: I've been thinkin'.
I think you should apply to the Powell School of Music.
The one in New York?
Isn't that like, really hard to get into?
Yeah, but I know the admissions coordinator.
I can put in a good word.
Look, I'm not going to college. I told you.
I'm taking over my family's restaurant.
And that's a very noble plan, Ethan.
Look, I've been there. It's delicious.
But is that really what you want?
I mean, is playing the piano even a career?
Absolutely.
I mean, you could play in an orchestra.
You could score films.
You could work as a session musician.
You could even do commercials like Miss Walker.
Uh, I don't know.
Ethan, you are so talented, okay?
You can't waste that in the back of a kitchen!
I mean, it would be pretty cool to play music for a living.
Right? All I'm asking is you apply.
Okay? You just make the audition tape
and you can decide if you wanna go later.
If I make a tape, will you stop bugging me?
Never.
I will never stop pushing you.
(sighing) Fine.
All right! Good. Let's go.
- Right now? - Yeah!
No time like the present.
(sighing)
So, what do you think, "Deck the Halls"?
I mean, it's not very original.
Can I do you and Mrs. Walker's song-
"A Christmas Melody"?
I'd be honoured.
♪
(phone ringing)
Brenda! What did you think about the song?
Yeah, Abby, about the song. What is this?
Did you like it? I have a new musical partner.
Abby, it's a Christmas song.
Christmas is a very competitive market.
I know, but the song is really good,
so I think it'll stand out. - Sure.
I'll send it out, see if there are any takers. I just--
I don't know why you're wasting your time with all this stuff.
It's not a waste of time, it's--
How are the commercials coming along?
I have a ton more corporate gigs you should be working on.
McKayla, email Abby the corporate gigs.
You know, I was thinking maybe I should put a pause on those.
What? Are you crazy?
I'm feeling really inspired with my own songs right now.
I may even start performing again.
Abby, you're at the top of your game.
If you quit now, someone will come in and take up your spot.
Well, that's a risk I'm willing to take.
Okay. All right, just-- don't say I didn't warn you.
Abby: I won't.
Thanks, Brenda!
I know you just want what's best for me.
Uh-huh. Sure.
Okay, bye!
Travis: I feel like I need more sprinkles.
Ooh. I'm missing a gumdrop.
I don't have any of those left,
but I do have a candy cane I can spare.
- I'll take that. - No.
I need those jellybeans first.
You drive a hard bargain, Travis Tucker, but a fair one.
There we go.
Oh, by the way, I spoke to Brenda
and she's gonna send the song out.
- Really? - Mm-hm.
Things are happening.
And I quit the commercials. I thought you should know.
- You did? - Yeah.
I wanna focus on singing more Christmas songs with you.
I personally think we make a great duo.
I do too.
And, since I have a little time on my hands,
I was thinking I could stick around
for a few more weeks in Bellville.
Well, that's great!
I mean, we could write another song.
Maybe we could try to perform at a coffee shop
or something like that?
Yeah, that's what I was thinking.
(phone ringing)
Um...shoot.
I should take this.
Take it in my room.
I'll make us some hot toddies.
Okay, thank you.
Travis through door: The song's called "A Christmas Melody".
It's amazing, okay?
You're not gonna believe your ears.
No, I swear. (chuckling)
No, I have it on my phone right now.
We already submitted it through more official channels
but, if you want, I could send it to you right now.
Okay.
Yeah. Just a sec. (clearing throat)
(composing email)
Okay, it should be in your inbox now.
Thanks. I mean, this could have a big impact
and I really appreciate you giving it a listen.
Oh, um,
do me a favor and just keep this between us.
You know, I don't want anyone to know that I did this.
Well, you know how people are.
Especially musicians, yeah.
(chuckling) No.
Hey, thanks again.
(sighing)
All right, hot toddy time!
I think you should leave.
I thought we were doing gingerbread houses.
Mine's finished. Goodbye, Travis.
Are-- are you for real?
Okay. If that's what you want, I guess I'll see you in school.
I can't believe this is happening again!
This is exactly the reason why I left the business.
People are just so ruthless when it comes to getting ahead.
Even people in Bellville, I guess.
Oh, honey, I'm sorry he did that to you.
What a jerk.
Who woulda thought? - I wanna come back to New York.
But what about your mom?
Isn't this performance important for her?
Yeah.
Her school arts funding depends on it.
- Then you can't leave, right? - No.
Ugh! I'm just so mad!
Okay. You are gonna get it out tonight.
Channel it into a song and tomorrow,
you are gonna pull yourself together
and you are gonna move on.
You got this, babe.
I know. Thanks, Whitney.
You sure you're gonna be okay?
Yeah.
I just really liked him, that's all.
Whitney: I know you did. Goodnight, babe.
Thanks again. Bye.
♪ I thought you were different ♪
♪ But you're all the same ♪
♪ I wasn't special ♪
♪ It's all a game ♪
♪ It's all about you ♪
♪ You, you, and your ♪
(phone notification dinging)
Ugh. - Cynthia: Abby?
Abby, is everything okay?
I just wanna check in.
I-- I'm fine, Mom.
I just had a private call, that's all.
Hmm.
I'm gonna ask again.
Is everything okay?
It's fine. Just work stuff.
Okay, well, I'm making Christmas fudge for the pageant
if you wanna help? Might make you feel better.
Uh, I think I'm gonna pass if that's okay?
I'm just not really in the Christmas fudge mood.
Of course, honey. I'll save you some?
(playing keyboard chords)
♪ Red's not your colour ♪
♪ And you smell like a shoe ♪
♪ You act like you're perfect ♪
♪ And your jokes are bad too ♪
Abby. Abby, where have you been?
I've been calling you nonstop.
Well, I only came here to drop this off.
You left it at my place.
Wait, what's going on with you?
Hey, Miss Walker.
Uh, we didn't see you at practice today.
Everyone missed you.
I'm sorry, Ethan. Something came up.
But don't worry,
I'll be there tomorrow at the tree lighting ceremony.
I wouldn't miss your big debut for the world.
Do you have any tips about stage fright?
I didn't think I'd get this nervous.
Oh, you'll do great!
But if you do get a little nervous, just, you know,
close your eyes like I said and get lost in the music.
It always works for me.
Okay, thanks. I'll try it.
See you later, Miss Walker. - See you soon!
Okay, wait. Abby!
(phone ringing)
Brenda! Uh, did someone respond to the song?
Actually, it's me, McKayla.
There's something I wanted to talk to you about.
Abby: Oh, hey, McKayla. What's up?
Abby, I just thought you should--
Is that Abby?
Abby, I'm so glad you called.
Uh, you called me.
So, I sent your song out
and usually we hear back within a day,
but no one's interested so far.
I'm so sorry, Abby. - Oh.
But the corporate gigs are still available if you're interested.
They really want you back, Abby.
They said they'll double your pay.
Great.
So, what do you say? Back in with the ads?
(sighing) Sure. Why not?
Guess sometimes you just have to accept the things you're good at
and the things you're not.
Thattagirl. You won't regret this.
I'll have McKayla send over the paperwork straight away.
So, we need to set up meetings as soon as possible.
Can you come back tomorrow? - Tomorrow's Christmas Eve.
I have a tree lighting ceremony performance.
Okay, what about the next day?
Christmas Day?
No, sorry, that's right.
Offices are closed. Um--
So, let's do the 26th. First thing in the morning?
I guess I can be back then.
I just have to leave to go back to New York on Christmas Day.
Ah, perfect. You won't regret this, Abby.
You know, you can't take opportunities like this
for granted.
It's very lucrative, for all of us.
Yeah. Right.
Thanks, Brenda.
You're welcome, honey.
(music playing over radio)
Abby.
Ugh. Again?
Are you following me?
It's the only cafe in town.
- I don't have time for this. - Whoa, Abby.
Can you talk to me? What's going on?
Is this about the song?
What do you think it is, Travis?
Oh, by the way, everyone rejected it.
Oh, I'm sorry, that's--
that's disappointing.
Yeah, well, maybe you'll have better luck as a solo act.
Huh?
Look, I'll be at the ceremony tonight but I'm leaving tomorrow
so you don't have to deal with me anymore.
What, you're leaving like you're going back to New York?
Yeah.
But I thought you were staying through New Year's.
I've got work to attend to in New York.
Okay.
I'll see you tonight though?
(sighing) Yeah. I'll be there.
♪
And now for your next performance,
please welcome the Bellville Middle School Youth Choir.
(applause and cheering)
Guys, you got this, okay?
We've been practicing this song for months,
you know it like the back of your hands.
It's gonna be amazing. - (murmurs of agreement)
(choir singing "Deck the Halls")
What is that? What am I hearing?
What are they--
♪ Fa, la-la la-la ♪
♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly ♪
♪ Fa-la-la la-la, la-la la-la ♪
♪ Don we now our gay apparel ♪
They're singing "Deck the Halls".
They're supposed to be singing "O Little Town of Bethlehem".
It's right here in the program.
Yeah well, they must've switched last minute.
Um, Mr. Tucker?
We have a bigger problem.
What's wrong?
Ethan's missing. I may have spooked him out a little.
Lyla, what did you say?
Nothing! Nothing.
I just reminded him that the entire arts program
is counting on him performing perfectly tonight
and that if he messes up,
generations of Bellville High students
will miss out on the joys of music forever
until the end of time. - Lila.
(sighing) We have to find him.
Okay, everybody. We gotta split up.
Some of you go check the classrooms,
some of you sweep the hallways.
Abby and I will check the music room.
What about our performance? We're next.
Well, we're not going on without our piano player.
Lila, you stay here
and, I don't know, stall them.
Oh, okay.
(chatter)
Do you think we should call his mom?
I mean, where could he be?
Oh, you're speaking to me now? No more baseless accusations?
I heard you going behind my back, Travis.
What are you talking about? I didn't do anything.
You were trying to take all the credit for our song.
What?! You really think I would do that?
I don't know what you would do, but it sure seems like it.
You're so bitter about your past that you can't trust anyone.
Actually, it's just the untrustworthy ones
that I can't trust.
♪ Fa-la-la la-la, la-la la-la ♪
(cheering and applause)
(chatter) - Man: Isn't that great?
(mic feedback)
And now for our final performance of the evening,
please welcome the Bellville High School Band.
- (applause) - Woo!
(soft crowd chatter)
What do you mean, he's missing?
Can't Abby play the piano?
Well, they're all gone now. So--
This is bad.
- Yeah. - This is very, very bad.
Travis: Ethan! He's gotta be in here.
- Abby: Ethan! - There he is.
Ethan, are you okay?
What happened?
I'm sorry, Mr. Tucker.
I don't wanna let you down but I can't do it.
Of course you can do it. You were born for this.
What if I mess up, lose the school's funding?
It's just too much pressure.
You're not gonna mess up.
But I could. How do you know?
We'll all take a two minute break, folks.
(crowd reactions of disappointment)
Just a perfect time to refill those gingerbread lattes.
I-- I--
What on Earth's going on, Cynthia? They're all waiting!
We hit a slight technical hiccup
but we'll be ready any minute now.
Any minute! - Well, I'm telling you,
I am not impressed by this.
Not impressed by this at all. - I'm sorry, we hit--
If these kids can't take their music program seriously,
then why should the school board?
This whole debacle's proven my instincts were right.
Our funds could be put to a much better use elsewhere.
Ethan, look. No matter how you perform,
you'd still be showing that you are more impressive
than 99% of the people out there
that don't even have the guts to follow their dreams.
Remember what I said- trust your intuition.
You've got this.
And-- and you don't have to be perfect.
You just have to make the audience feel something.
(phone notification beeping)
- Uh, guys? - What's up?
I just got an email from the Powell School of Music.
They said they loved the song and the performance.
They wanna see me for a final in-person audition!
Oh my God.
That's incredible, congratulations!
Wow, I didn't even know you applied!
Nice work.
Yeah, that audition tape we sent in,
I knew it was gonna blow their minds.
I didn't even think it was that good.
We made it in like two minutes.
Audition tape?
Yeah, he performed "A Christmas Melody"
and we sent it to the admissions coordinator.
That's what you sent?
Yeah. What do you think I sent?
Wait-- did you think that I sent our song out
without your permission?
Just what you were saying on the phone.
It sounded like you--
Abby, I would never betray you like that.
I'm so sorry I jumped to conclusions.
No, it's okay. I'm sorry you thought that of me.
You have nothing to apologise for.
I let my experience with Casey Macey cloud my judgment and--
Uh, guys?
Don't we have a song to perform?
- Yes. We do. - Uh, yeah.
Come on, let's get ready. Let me help you.
Thanks.
Put that on. All right, let's go.
Abby: Let's go find the others.
All right, that's enough. I'm telling them it's over.
Please wait just one more minute. They worked so hard.
I'm sorry, Cynthia.
Boy: Ethan, hurry up! We're next!
Girl: We're next! Hurry up!
(sighing)
- They're here! - Oh, thank goodness!
Finally.
Okay. Okay.
(excited chatter)
(sighing) Okay, guys.
I think we gotta stick with "Deck the Halls".
It's the song we practiced, it's the song we know.
It'll be great. - No.
We can't end the entire ceremony on a repeat song.
We need to wow Superintendent Davis.
We need to do "A Christmas Melody".
Well, we've only practiced that song in class once.
We don't even have the sheet music with us.
Yeah, but we've all practiced it at home, right?
You guys remember it.
No one's ever heard the song before,
so do you really think it'll make an impact?
You'll sing it for us.
What?!
No, she's right.
Your voice is incredible.
With you singing and Ethan's piano playing,
it could save the program!
- Please! - Please, Miss Walker?
(impatient crowd chatter)
Man in audience: Must be something, right?
This is the last-- - Woman: Oh.
- Man: Okay. They're here. - (applause)
Man: Just a little delay.
And now, may I present to you
the Bellville High School Band's performance of...
.."A Christmas Melody",
an original song written by Abby Walker and Travis Tucker.
(crowd cheering)
(coughing in audience)
(playing in soft bell voice)
(hitting discordant note)
(crowd reactions)
(quietly) You okay?
It's okay. - (soft crowd chatter)
(inhaling deeply)
(exhaling)
(exhaling, resuming playing)
♪ Ah, ah ♪
♪ Silent night filled with music now ♪
(electric drum rhythm)
♪ And each moment's like a Christmas wish come true ♪
♪ Even though choirs are singing ♪
♪ Their songs of joy and praise ♪
♪ My favourite Christmas melody is you ♪
♪ Yuletide songs sung by children everywhere ♪
♪ Sung by children everywhere ♪
♪ Keeps me warm the season through ♪
♪ Season through ♪
♪ As the music wraps around me ♪
- ♪ Mmm ♪ - ♪ I hear the silver bells ♪
♪ But my favourite Christmas melody is you ♪
♪ Ooh ♪
♪ And Christmas lights shine ♪
♪ I still can't help but ♪
♪ Keep on basking in you ♪
♪ It feels like old times ♪
♪ And I'm a giddy child ♪
♪ Could stay up all night ♪
♪ Just to see your Christmas smile ♪
♪ This December could last a year ♪
♪ I'd be happy and I'd still be wanting more ♪
♪ With the fire here before us ♪
♪ And winter's quiet hum ♪
♪ Still my favourite Christmas melody is you ♪
♪ And Christmas lights shine ♪
♪ I still can't help but ♪
♪ Keep on basking in you ♪
♪ It feels like old times ♪
♪ And I'm a giddy child ♪
♪ Could stay up all night ♪
♪ Just to see your Christmas smile ♪
♪ I can hear all the Christmas cheer ♪
♪ And the air is filled with carols floatin' through ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh ♪
♪ "Drummer Boy", "Santa Baby" ♪
♪ "In a Winter Wonderland" ♪
♪ Still, my favourite Christmas melody is you ♪
♪ And Christmas lights shine ♪
♪ I still can't help but ♪
♪ Keep on basking in you ♪
♪ It feels like old times ♪
♪ And I'm a giddy child ♪
♪ Could stay up all night ♪
♪ Just to see your Christmas smile ♪
♪ Silent night filled with music now ♪
♪ And each moment's like a Christmas wish come true ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh ♪
♪ "Drummer Boy", "Santa Baby" ♪
♪ "In a Winter Wonderland" ♪
♪ Still, my favourite Christmas melody is you ♪
♪ Mmm ♪
(crowd cheering)
Woo!
(laughing)
Woman: Abby, yes! That was amazing!
(cheers and applause)
(cheering, whistling)
Woo!
Thank you, Bellville High Band
for a truly spectacular performance!
I know that our arts program is in question of funding
for next year,
and I for one have been prepared
to vote to cut it.
(shocked gasping in audience)
But tonight was not just an amazing example
of music and talent,
but community, educational excellence,
and Christmas spirit.
And I am happy to say that I will not be voting
to cut the funding for the arts program next year.
- Ooh! - Yay!
(laughing)
(cheering)
♪
- We got our funding! - Mom, this is amazing!
You all did such a great job. I'm so proud of you.
You did such a great job planning this whole thing!
Oh, thanks, honey! Ooh!
(phone ringing)
Oh. Gotta get this.
Excuse me.
(chuckling) Wow.
Thank you so much.
(phone ringing)
Hello?
Abby, hi. I'm so sorry to bother you on Christmas Eve.
I was working late, I wanted to call you
before leaving for the holidays.
Oh, it's not a bother at all. What's up, McKayla?
I thought you should know, Brenda never sent your song out.
What?
McKayla: She's never sent any of your songs out.
I only found out a few days ago. I tried to tell you earlier.
But why would she not send my songs out?
She gets a huge cut
of your corporate commercial commissions-
more than you know.
She doesn't want you to quit those.
They're lucrative for her.
After all these years she's been lying to me?
McKayla: Here's the thing.
I sent your song to an executive at a label.
She loved it!
She wants to sign you. - Are you serious?
I could be your agent. I'll negotiate a deal.
That would be amazing!
Thank you!
Thank you.
But make sure that they know that I have a partner.
We come as a duo.
You got it.
Thanks again, McKayla. I gotta go.
Okay. All right, bye.
(applause)
(cheering)
Shh. Everybody,
we're about to do the tree lighting.
(applause)
It is now with great pleasure that I light our trees-
a tradition that I hope lasts forever,
along with our arts Christmas pageant.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
(crowd reactions of awe)
Wow, so beautiful.
Aw, the big one didn't light.
(indistinct chatter)
Still beautiful.
So, I was thinking, what do you think
about me sticking around Bellville for a little bit?
I don't know. I mean, I'm pretty busy.
Got a lot goin' on.
(chuckling) I'm just kidding.
Of course I would love for you to stay.
Well, it'd make it much easier for us
to keep working together, making music.
Especially since we're about to have a record deal!
Are you-- are you serious?
I am!
- What! - (giggling)
- That's-- that's incredible! - Yeah.
But you know, even if we didn't have a record deal,
I'd still wanna sing with you.
I never wanna stop making music with you, Travis Tucker.
♪
(cheering)
(laughing)
♪
♪ Silent night filled with music now ♪
♪ And each moment's like a Christmas wish come true ♪
♪ Even though choirs are singin' ♪
♪ Their songs of joy and praise ♪
♪ My favourite Christmas Melody is you ♪
♪ Yuletide songs sung by children everywhere ♪
♪ Sung by children ♪
♪ Keeps me warm the season through ♪
♪ Season through ♪
♪ As the music wraps around me ♪
- ♪ Mmm ♪ - ♪ I hear the silver bells ♪
♪ But my favourite Christmas melody is you ♪
♪ And Christmas lights shine ♪
♪ I still can't help but ♪
♪ Keep on basking in you ♪
♪ It feels like old times ♪
♪ And I'm a giddy child ♪
♪ Could stay up all night ♪
♪ Just to see your Christmas smile ♪
♪ This December could last a year ♪
♪ I'd be happy and I'd still be wantin' more ♪
♪ With the fire here before us ♪
♪ And winter's quiet hum ♪
♪ Still my favourite Christmas melody is you ♪
♪ And Christmas lights shine ♪
♪ I still can't help but ♪
♪ Keep on basking in you ♪
♪ It feels like old times ♪
♪ And I'm a giddy child ♪
♪ Could stay up all night ♪
♪ Just to see your Christmas smile ♪
♪ Silent night filled with music now ♪
♪ And each moment's like a Christmas wish come true ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh ♪
♪ "Drummer Boy", "Santa Baby" ♪
♪ "In a Winter Wonderland" ♪
♪ Still, my favourite Christmas melody is you ♪
♪ Still ♪
♪ My favourite Christmas melody is you ♪