A Festive Musical Celebration at the Carol Service
The annual Christmas Carol Service at All Saints Church, Maidstone, was a truly memorable occasion. The beautiful acoustics of the church provided the perfect setting for an inspiring celebration of music and festive songs, alongside traditional readings and congregational carols, featuring the incredible talent of MGGS musicians.
The massed Year 7 Choir, under the direction of Miss Morris, sang a rock ‘n’ roll-inspired arrangement of Swingin’ Shepherds and a lively, rousing performance of I Saw Three Ships, accompanied by the school concert orchestra. Singing Club, whose numbers have flourished this term, delighted the audience with a performance of a contemporary jazz waltz Winter Carol, directed by Mrs Hutchings, followed by a spirited rendition of The Flavour of Christmas.
The Chamber Choir, also directed by Miss Morris, gave beautiful performances with their harmonies filling the church in stunning renditions of John Rutter’s Angel’s Carol and That First Nowell, accompanied by Mr Cheung and featuring Mrs Elliott’s professional expertise on the descant recorder.
Exceptional vocal solos also included; Ella M’s musically accomplished The Man with the Bag, Nancy D’s stylish Christmas Tree Farm, Emily P’s expressive rendition of O Holy Night, the moving acapella performance of A Clare Benediction by Melanie Y and Sasha L’s performance of Chopin’s Mazurka in A minor which was a striking display of musical maturity and skill at the piano.
The service also featured memorable ensemble performances, including Silent Night sung beautifully with the church lights dimmed, by Chidumebi A, Amy L, and Emme P, accompanied by Roo S and Ollie B on guitar and mandolin and Anna F and Isabella-Paige F’s equally enchanting rendition of Walking in the Air. Further instrumental highlights included performances from Alena C, Briony A, Roo S, Mia F, and Ollie B, with Somewhere Only We Know to open the service, and the festive folkstyle mandolin playing that Ollie added to so many performances throughout the evening. Special thanks goes to Eleanor I for her expert sound production, and to the whole Music Department team and staff who supported the rehearsals for this event.
Finally, huge thanks goes to all the friends and family who attended on such a wet and windy night, helping to raise funds for our RAG Week charities: Demelza, The Little Princess Trust, and our sister school in Nepal.
It was a wonderful evening, and we are incredibly proud of everyone who took part in the service.
Mrs Hogan, Head of Music