Packed St George’s Church hosts annual Carol Services
The SGS community made their way to the spectacular surroundings of St George’s Church for this year’s Senior School and Junior School Carol Services.
Senior School
The congregation at the Senior School Carol Service were treated to exceptional vocal performances from our choirs and witnessed pupils from a wide range of year groups confidently deliver readings.
The service began with a welcome from the school’s Chaplain Rev Liz Leaver, taking part in her final school event after a tenure of almost 27 years.
Chamber Choir then performed ‘Gaudete’ (Anon), the first of their four pieces of the evening. The other songs they delightfully delivered were ‘Magnificat’ (Brewer), ‘In The Bleak Midwinter’ (arr. Todd) and ‘O Little One Sweet’ (Bach).
Other ensembles to perform during the service were the First Year Choir, who sang ‘Sussex Carol’ (arr. Newlove), and Chorus who performed ‘We Three Kings’ (arr. Todd).
The congregation exercised their vocal muscles as they sang six carols: ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’, ‘Good King Wenceslas’, ‘God Rest You Merry Gentlemen’, ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’, and ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’.
Heads of School Toby Wells and Cara Bell, First Year Bethnay King, Third Year Laurence Glazier, Fourth Year Lucy Baagalayaze, and Lower Sixth pupil Sam Hill offered up readings throughout the evening. The Head, Mrs Sarah Capwell, also recited a reading.
As well as the Welcome, the Chaplin also delivered the Bidding with the Head, the Prayer for Christmas and the Blessing.
It was great to welcome back so many Old Stops to the service, a festive catch up with friends added to the warm atmosphere.
Thank you to the musicians who performed on the evening: Sixth Formers James Caine (trombone) and Will Harvey (drums), Mr Neil Taylor (organist), Mr John Hutchinson (trumpet 1), Mr Spencer Wells (trumpet 2), Mrs Sarah Johnson (tenor horn), Mr Olly Hamilton (piano), Mrs Joanne Matthews (bass guitar), and Mr Michael Dow (Director of Music).
The design for the front cover of the order of service was beautifully created by Upper Sixth pupil Tabby Bloor.
Junior School
After a welcome from Head Mr Matthew Copping, the Junior School Carol Service began with Rosa H, Nancy M, Alice M, Harry C, Bertie D-B and Sully S performing ‘The Song Of Zechariah’.
During the service the Year 5 and 6 Choir sang ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’ (Regney and Shayne), ‘Across The Desert Sands’ (Cosnett and Cleaton), and ‘Sing Allelujah’ (Albrecht).
The Year 3 and 4 Choir performed ‘Gabriel’s Message’ (Basque traditional), and ‘Nightingale Carol’ (Gair and Dorfler, arr. Carter) and both choirs were expertly joined by a number of soloists throughout the evening.
Orchestra played ‘Silent Night’ (Mohr and Gruber) and congregational carols sang on the night included ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ and ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’.
Readings were confidently delivered by pupils Oliver D, Savar N, Reeva N, Matilda D, William D, Walter D, Lara S and Sam P and prayers were led by Holly B, Lottie Mc, Julia B-V and Beth H
Before the final congregational carol, School Chaplin Rev Liz Leaver delivered a Christmas Blessing.
Thanks to James Hibbert (organ), Rhiannon Fallows (viola), Emily Owen (piano) and Fifth Year Nathan Hutchinson (trumpet) for their support – it was a special evening and one that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
