Prep School Carol Service
The Prep School once again delivered the most fantastically atmospheric Carol Service in the Minster Church. Lily Aldridge opened proceedings with her beautiful solo of Once in Royal Davids City, with the Chamber Choir processing with candles on the second verse.
The String Orchestra played in graceful style showcasing some of our best musicians. The Wind Band joined them to accompany a packed congregation to sing Hark the Herald, with proficient brass sounds echoing around the church. Winners of the school reading competition read the traditional Christmas readings, interjected with accomplished performances from each of the Prep School choirs. The Pre-Prep delighted the audience with their jazzy rendition of Bring them to the Manger and the Chamber Choir sang a rendition of Sarah Watts' re-arrangement of Silent Night.
James Shipp started off a rousing It's a Miracle with the force of the full School Choir, proud to be filled with the vast majority of pupils from Years 3 to 6. The ever popular 'secret singers', made up of a very select group of Prep staff, took a starring role in I Saw Three Ships, joined by the combined choirs.
The service finished without a dry eye in the house as the entire school sang Hope of Heaven: The Christingle Song, closing with solos from four Year 2 girls and a procession of pupils carrying lit Christingle oranges. The sweet sounds of the descant from O Come All Ye Faithful may still be ringing in the ears of the congregation.
Caroline Robinson
Director of Prep Music