The Beverley Grammar School Carol service 2012 was once again a resounding success with record numbers of pupils, staff and parents taking part and in attendance on the evening. The Minster is always a magnificent venue for such events with the service heralding in the festive season with the usual Beverley Grammar School spirit.
The format of the service changed a little this year under the direction of Mrs Hughes, the newly appointed, Head of Music. The evening began with a warm welcome from the school Brass Group playing a variety of popular Christmas carols whilst the congregation found their seats. Then the Minster was plunged into darkness as a small group of Y7 choristers processed by candlelight whilst singing the first verse of the classic “Once in Royal David’s City”
The Year 7 choir this year was made up of almost 130 Y7 pupils who sang a mixture of traditional carols and more contemporary pieces such as “Mad World” composed by Roland Orzabal and “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers. In addition, there were a myriad of accomplished musical performances during the service by the school Woodwind Ensemble, the String Ensemble, the Orchestra and the Chamber Choir.
Readings this year were conducted by a range of staff and students and comprised of both religious and secular content. The Bible readings were taken from the traditional “Nine Lessons and Carols” Service which tell the story of the nativity. Readings were conducted by a mixture of staff from all areas of the school along with the Deputy Head Boy and Girl whilst prayers for the school, the local community and the world were led by the Head Boy and Girl.
Secular readings were delivered by the Head Teacher, Mrs Wedgwood and a variety of pupils from Years 9 and 10 and echoed this year’s theme of supporting others. Finally, the evening was brought to a close by a blessing from the Reverend Jeremy Fletcher, a governor of the school and vicar at the minster and an organ voluntary by Robert Poyser, the Director of Music at Beverley Minster. The school would like to extend its thanks to the Minster and its staff for both allowing the event to take place and making it possible. And we must not forget the contribution of all who took part on the night and parents who came to support the school. You can listen to audio recordings from the Carol Service below!
On behalf of all the staff and students at Beverley Grammar School we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Mr Dent
In the Bleak Mid Winter
Tenor Solo verse Lean on Me Yr 7 Choir
Mad World Yr 7 Choir
Carol of the Refugee Children Yr 7 Choir
O Come All Ye Faithful Congregational Carol
Patapan excerpt – Orchesta
Kindness Reading Toby Brown Tom Foster Oliver Hulme Connor Lynn