Music Teacher Lights Up Christmas with Star Wars Spectacle for Charity
In the quiet embrace of night, when most tuck into their dreams, a symphony of lights dances to the iconic tunes of Star Wars, transforming a Newark neighborhood into a fantastical Christmas galaxy. The maestro of this mesmerizing light display, one man orchestrates an awe-inspiring show where about 10,000 LED lights perform harmoniously to the soundscapes of a galaxy far, far away.
Tom, a music director with a heart as vast as his creativity, engineers this visual concerto using over 12,500 channels, ensuring each note of John Williams’ legendary scores is matched by a burst of luminescence.
His props aren’t mere decorations; they’re the instruments of his craft – a towering 17-foot guitar, a 19-foot grand piano, and drums, each meticulously fashioned from wood, metal, acrylic, and corrugated plastic. They stand not only as pieces of art but as testaments to the ingenuity of a man whose day job involves nurturing the musical talents of his students at COVA Conservatory in Oakland and Centerville Presbyterian Church in Fremont.
But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this display isn’t the technical brilliance or the nods to a beloved franchise; it’s the heartbeat of community and charity that thrums beneath each LED light.
While Star Wars brings the crowds and the cheer, Tom’s mission runs deeper – to gather funds for those less fortunate. It’s a display designed not just to dazzle the eyes but to warm the soul and lend a hand to people experiencing homelessness and poverty through donations collected for the McHenry House.
The question posed by some – “What does this have to do with Christmas?” – finds its answer in the shared moments of joy, the coming together of families, and the thousands of dollars raised in the spirit of love and obedience to a higher calling. Jesus’ teachings of compassion and assistance to people in need find profound expression in this jubilant mix of fandom and philanthropy.
The light show’s environmental footprint is as soft as its heart is large, with 99% energy-efficient LEDs keeping the electricity bill at a mere $100 monthly. Admirers who experience the spectacle can’t help but leave with a heightened sense of wonder and the warmth of contributing to a cause that extends the holiday spirit to those in dire need.
From the melodic duel of light sabers to the grandeur of the Imperial March, the Christmas display is a performance that has captivated thousands, earning a feature on Good Morning America and a spot in ABC’s Great Christmas Light Fight. It’s a unique blend of popular culture and heartfelt charity work, a true embodiment of the season’s spirit, where the joy of giving receives a standing ovation.
For a moment, under the glow of ten thousand lights, the Star Wars universe doesn’t seem galaxies away – it’s right here, touching lives, one note and one light at a time.
Watch this Star Wars Christmas light show
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More Christmas Lights To See & HEAR!
Over the years, Tom’s Christmas setups have become the stuff of local legend, each year adding a new layer of innovation and awe to the festive season. From dazzling displays that pay homage to classics like “The Nightmare Before Christmas” to the rhythmic pulsing of lights set to the tunes of Beethoven, his home has morphed into a canvas of celebration.
With a keen eye for design and a penchant for the whimsical, his LED Christmas lights have not just illuminated his Newark neighborhood but have sparked joy in the hearts of visitors from far and wide, year after magical year.
