160 students took part in an exceptional Christmas celebration at the annual Carol Service at St. Mary’s Church on the evening of Monday 17 December 2012. The Rev. Rosie Hoad hosted the boys, girls, staff and families, who all made the most of the splendid setting that the church provides.
The Christmas message was delivered through readings from the Ben Owen (Year 7), Madeleine Williams (Year 12), Mrs Davies-Jones and Mr Ferguson. Of course, the majority of the musical items also had a Christmas theme and it was most pleasing to see the church packed to capacity with little standing room available.
With a mix of traditional Christmas carols, interspersed with a wide variety of musical numbers, the congregation certainly enjoyed the enthusiasm and skills on display from all of the students. There were many highlights throughout the evening. Henry Wright (Year 11) reverted to his main instrument, the French Horn, with a lovely moving rendition of ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’. Dylan Carruthers (Year 9), David Veldmeijer and Cameron Fall-Everett (both Year 9) came together as a flute ensemble with the traditional ‘Carol of The Bells’ setting a high standard of musicianship for the evening.
The larger musical groups also excelled with the Glee Club singing ‘Some Nights’ and ‘Sleigh Ride Surprise’ with great gusto and simply stunning performances of ‘Frosty the Snowman’ by the Brass Group and ‘A Big Band Christmas’ by the Jazz Band.
Thanks are due to Miss Andrews and Miss Lumber from the music department for their work in leading the musicians in rehearsals and on the evening. Congratulations too to the Staff Choir for their ‘Winter Wonderland’.
The retiring collection raised £130 and has been sent to the ‘Street Child Africa’ charity. Thank you to everyone for your generosity. As ever, the evening was rounded off with mince pies and mulled wine in the Church Hall.
Tags: 2013-13, Carol Service, St. Maryâs Church, Staff
