For the eighth year running, the Oxford County Music Service put on a show to raise money for Christian Aid. They had to whittle 34 Oxfordshire primary school choirs down to 20. The choices were made on a first come, first served basis, and the areas spread from Banbury to Watlington. The 20 chosen choirs were divided into two and were spread over two consecutive days.
We went to the first night and the programme was lively and varied. Each choir had a song of their own to sing, with a couple of carols for the finale, which involved all schools singing together. With a mixture of old and new songs, and carols for audience participation, it made for an energetic evening.
The concert started with everyone singing 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing', which got everybody into the Christmas spirit. Then we had the first three schools perform their solo pieces.
William Fletcher School, Yarnton sang 'Yimbila Noel'. The two children on drums kept time very impressively, with a heavy, steady beat. Botley Primary School sang a Christmas Medley, which was arranged by John Dawson. The song swept through many old favourites such as 'Deck the Halls', 'Jingle Bells', 'White Christmas', and 'Santa Claus is coming to Town'. They all had light up badges that flashed merrily. The singing was clear, and precise. Wonderful. Longfields Primary School, Bicester sang 'While Bethlehem Sleeps', which had a lovely little melody.
Then the audience sang 'O Little Town of Bethlehem', and by now we felt that Christmas had begun. Then the next four schools were in the spotlight. SS Mary and John C of E Primary School sang 'Shepherd of the Moor'. It was not a song I was familiar with, but the singing was clear and sweet. Shellingford C of E Primary sang the tropical 'Mele Kalikimaka', from the land of palm trees. The choir, the smallest school taking part, wore colourful garlands, and transported the audience to warmer climes. St Peter’s C of E Primary School, Cassington, another small school, sang 'A Long Time Ago'. This was sung as a round, and was very melodic. Springfield School, Witney sang 'Santa is his name-o!' And sing, they did, and clap with great gusto.
After these performances, we had a short talk by Phil Evans, Regional Coordinator for Christian Aid. His main focus was on the prevention of malaria spread by mosquitoes and the money collected would go towards providing life-saving mosquito nets, and training to ensure they are used correctly.
We then had the last four schools perform. Beckley C of E Primary School sang 'Silent Night', which was quite lovely and had a couple of solos. Buckland C of E Primary School sang 'O Holy Night'. This started with a solo, and was lovely. Hill View Primary School sang 'Winter Wonderland'. The first time this Banbury school choir performed in this concert and they provided a very pretty rendition, with a couple of children ringing bells. North Leigh C of E Primary School sang 'Jingle Bell Rock'. A clear, very musical version of a well-known Christmas song with a lovely ending to the solo parts of the evening.
The grand finale was two songs: 'Tree of Light', which was fabulous - the harmonising was beautiful. 'Christmas on the beach at Waikikii', where all the children pulled out their kazoos was wonderful fun. The evening ended with everyone singing 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'.
All of the choirs were clear, tuneful and enthusiastic and offered a very diverse mixture of music. What a marvellous start to December. I would suggest you put it in your diary for next year, as listening to young voices lifted in song made for such an uplifting evening.