The Girls have worked hard again this year, with over 70 possible attendances
including 32 services. 2 girls attended 100% of services, average attendance
was around 80% and most girls are now reliable about signing out in advance
when they have a valid reason for absence, which makes planning suitable music
for the forces available as well as for the season much easier.
Commitments for the Girls Choir started early in 2000 with a service on January 2nd for the new millennium and evensong at St Alban's Abbey on January 3rd together with the Altos, Tenors and Basses of the Priory Choir. In February we chose representatives from both the girls and their parents for the new joint choirs committee. In March six girls took the Dean's Award examination: Emily Swain, Emma Rouse, Victoria Rouse, Alice King, Katie Street and Kathryn Curt; all passed.
In April we held a special Passiontide Service of readings and music for Lent which included some excellent singing and very moving music. The girls also sang for the Good Friday Service, again with the Priory Choir back row. In May we went to Hendon in North London for a joint evensong where we were able to join in with some very challenging music that would not have been possible on our own. A photo of the joint choirs for this event can be seen on www.hendonstmary.co.uk, almost all girls attended. In June four girls took the Bishop's Award examination and passed: Leah Stevens, Catherine Anderson, Genevieve Haughey and Katharine Stark.
In August we went to Winchester for a week, staying in Kings School Boarding House and singing at the Cathedral and at Wimborne Minster. Everyone worked hard and there was a high standard of performance; we heard ourselves talked about as we shopped in Wimborne between the rehearsal and service! On the Sunday the girls and ATB took part in sung Mattins which was a first for us and very hard work with a psalm, three canticles and anthem as well as hymns. A special mention must go to Leah Stevens who sang a beautiful solo faced with a huge cathedral congregation and hardly even seemed nervous! In the afternoon we sang a joint evensong with the Priory Choir. Other activities during the week included a day out for both choirs to a theme park. Grateful thanks are due to Ros Stark, Liz Stevens and Kaye Rogers for all their help during the week.
The Autumn term passed quickly and commitments were many, including the Confirmation, Advent Carol Service, Tree Lighting, Carol Service and Midnight Mass as well as the Family Christmas Concert. I would like to thank the girls for their commitment and work throughout the year and especially the two head choristers, Emily and Fiona, who as well as being extremely reliable and responsible do a great deal to make sure everything runs smoothly and I stay calm!
Marie Price