Carol service hits right note

Carol service hits right note

15 December 2021

FOR the second year in a row, the ongoing pandemic has meant that Down High School’s annual carol service is being broadcast digitally, bringing beautiful music and Christmas cheer to the whole school community and beyond.

The virtual carol service will ‘premiered’ online tomorrow evening at 7pm and can also be watched at any time afterwards through the school website www.downhighschool.org.uk/.

The service was recorded in Down Cathedral and the Dean, the Very Rev Henry Hull, was delighted to welcome the choristers and musicians as they performed wonderfully despite the absence of a congregation of staff, parents and current and past Dunumians.

Restrictions meant that the number of performers was limited, but the school’s chamber and choir and junior choir were able to sing in a socially distanced manner to produce a feast of Christmas music.

The school’s brass ensemble added more festive sounds, filling the Cathedral with the strains of well-known carols.

Mrs Maud Perry, school principal, expressed her delight at the outcome. “The pupils were delighted to get the opportunity to sing and play, especially at this lovely time of year when we celebrate the message of Christmas,” she said.

“For Year 14 students in particular, the chance to participate in this their final year in Down High School is very special. We are grateful to the Dean of Down Cathedral, Very Rev Henry Hull, for allowing us to use this beautiful place of worship to provide comfort to our school community.

“We hope that our pupils, their parents, friends, staff and former students can enjoy the delights of the carol service.”

Mrs Perry paid tribute to the dedication of the school’s music staff who prepared the pupils so well. “Our Director of Music, Miss Clarke, and her colleague Miss McKeown have produced marvellous results given the circumstances,” she said.

“We are also grateful for the services of Mr Michael McCracken for his piano and organ accompaniments. Singing at two-metre intervals presents challenges for choirs, but our young people overcame these to produce such an uplifting service.

Hand sanitisers, face coverings and all of the usual mitigations were important considerations, but so too was the importance of allowing our pupils to provide us this inspiring treat.”

Mrs Perry added: “We all hope we can meet in person next year, in better times, to renew the friendships and relationships that epitomise our school community.”

Every year, a collection is raised during the carol service for local charities. This year, the school is raising much-needed funds for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and a Just Giving page has been set up to allow friends of the school to contribute to such a worthy cause.