St Saviours Church full of festive cheer at Academy Carol Concert
On Wednesday 10th December, the Academy's annual Carol Concert returned to St Saviours Church in Dartmouth. Students from Years 7 to 11 performed musical pieces, carols and readings to a packed congregation of friends, family, Academy staff and members of the community.
As people arrived at the church whilst the bells rang out from the tower, they were served home-made mince pies and mulled wine prepared by Academy Food Technology Teacher, Annie Robinson. Once everyone had found their seats, Father Will Hazelwood gave a welcome greeting, then Anthony Chamberlain, the Academy's Music and Drama Teacher, introduced the various performances from the students.
The church heard some heartily sung carols from the congregation, including seasonal favourites such as 'Once in Royal David's City', 'Away in a Manger', 'Silent Night', 'Ding Dong Merrily on High' and 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'.The congregation was also treated to a range of musical solos and duets from the students. Performances included: George Bakewell (Year 10), who performed his own guitar composition 'Night and Day'; Cameron Webb (Year 10) played a version of 'Watermelon Man' on saxophone - to give it a Christmas twist, the piece was renamed 'Mulled Wine Man' for the evening; Lara Wessels (Year 10) followed with a rendition of 'Winter Wonderland' played on the oboe; Hollie James (Year 7) played 'Silent Night' on the recorder accompanied by Harriet Henshall (Year 11) on the piano; Beth Pyne (Year 9) sung 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'; Alice Footitt (Year 11) played 'Christmas Dream' on the piano; Katherina Wilming (Year 10) sung her own compostion called '217 MIles', accompanying herself on piano; finally Suzi-Lyn Hemmings (Year 8) sung 'Walking in the Air', if the congregation weren't already in the Christmas mood enough, they certainly were by now.
As well as the solos and duets, the Academy Choir sung a rousing version of 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' and there were readings and poems confidently delivered from the pulpit from staff and students including: Rhianna Mold and Abigail Lees (Year 7); Beth Pyne (Year 9); Archie Holmes (Year 8); Freya Bradley (Year 9); Lucy Branton (Year 9); Academy PE Teacher, Luke Clement; and Alice Footitt (Year 11).
Academy Principal, Nick Hindamarsh, said, "For those who were there, I am sure you will agree that the Carol Service was the best so far since we became an Academy, thank you to all those who made it happen.
"Nick Bowles, Vice Principal, added, "It was great to see how much confidence the students had and their willingness to take on difficult challenges and pull them off with great calmness and maturity. The students also looked great and the feedback from so many who attended was brilliant."
