CANDLES, CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS AND CHRISTMAS CHEER
One of the highlights of the year for me is A Candlelit Christmas. The passion and drive of the effervescent Caroline Robinson, Director of Music, is evident in spades. Having recently watched 'Nativity 2 – Danger in the Manger' there are some likenesses between Mrs Robinson and the character Gordon Shakespeare, any of you who have seen this will know exactly what I mean! And by that I mean her endless enthusiasm and passion.
A Candlelight Christmas is one of the events in the calendar where the School community gathers: pupils, parents, staff, OVs and families all gather to raise their voice in song and celebrate together followed by a much welcome mince pie and a glass of mulled wine.
What is particularly evident is the joy and pleasure all the pupils get from taking part. It's wonderful that you don't have to be the best singer or musician to take part, that your energy and enthusiasm is enough. It is heart-warming to see everyone taking part with such gusto and enthusiasm.
Hundreds of candles created a beautifully atmospheric evening in the amazing building that we are lucky enough to be able to use regularly, the Parish Church of Warminster St Denys. As the candles flickered, the congregation could have almost felt that they had stepped back in time as the beautiful voices resonated around the church. At times it was spine tingling.
Some highlights were, the Junior Drumming Group led by Matt Thorpe, the wonderful rendition of 'All I want for Christmas is you' by the Soul Band, with the lead singers Alex Robinson and Barnaby Craven-Smith sporting Christmas pudding and turkey hats, this surely brought a smile to everyone's face. Well done Soul Band!
The Jazz Band certainly put the 'frosty' into the Snowman! A new edition to the concert was the flute group, their melodies were beautiful. The Junior Singers rendition of 'One Bright Star' drew the service to a close and the flickering candles and soulful voices of the Lower School sent us home with a smile on our faces and a festive spring in our step.
Stella Aldridge, Deputy Head of Development & Alumni
David Wiltshire images can be found on Flickr