Despite the growing COVID threat, we decided to hold firm with staging our annual carol concert at Lichfield Cathedral, and with the careful measures deployed by the cathedral team, we were delighted that we were rewarded by a fantastic service.
There were well over 100 students involved – whether it be singers, musicians or readers – and highlights included Emily Rice’s incredible solo of ‘O Holy Night’ that rang around the venue, the Concert Band performing ‘Christmas Pipes’, the Woodwind Ensemble’s ‘Carol Medley’, the Senior Flute Ensemble’s ‘White Christmas’, or the various a capella choirs performing songs ranging from ‘Where are you Christmas ?’ to ‘That’s Christmas To Me’.
Elsewhere, the whole congregation got to sing favourite, classic carols including ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’, ‘While Shepherds Watch’, ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ and ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’.
Jonathon Hood, Head of Music, said: “All the students involved were fantastic and loved the chance to perform after losing out so many times in recent years. It was great to see their enthusiasm and enjoyment shining through. As always, the standard of musicality was exceptional and it has been a pleasure to rehearse and prepare with all of the students involved.”
Matt Allman, Headteacher, added: “We love to have our regular Cathedral events and after the Year 7 Dedication Service earlier in the term we were confident the cathedral took their COVID measures very seriously and could help us to deliver a memorable and safe service. We are a school that likes to remind our students of the spirituality of key milestones in life and to pause and reflect on their individual and collective place in the world. This has been lost at times but with the success of the recent ‘Chicago’ performances, and now this service, the creativity and passion of our students undoubtedly found a release. It is great to see it back.”
