Inverness school choirs join for Christmas Carol Chorus (22/12/11)

Four Inverness School Choirs performed at a packed out Carol Service at Smithton-Culloden Free Church last evening (21 December).

Over 500 families, friends and members of the community turned out in force to hear more than 80 pupils from Balloch, Cradlehall, Duncan Forbes and Smithton Primary choirs.

Congratulating the pupils on their singing, Rev David Meredith said: “This was the first time that all four choirs were brought together. It was a seamless performance and great to hear the young folks who are so enthusiastic and vibrant.”

The pupils were conducted by Elaine Stewart, Head Teacher of Duncan Forbes Primary School as they gave excellent renditions of ‘O Town of Bethlehem’, ‘Sleep Holy Child’, ‘Out in the Fields’ and ‘Wise Men’.

Also performing in the Carol Service was Wendy Mullery’s Music Group with 12 musicians ranging from 7 to 77 years age. They played three carols on a range of instruments from tin whistle to mandolin. Lily Mullery sang a beautiful solo rendition of “Hallelujah” accompanied by Jack Watson on guitar.

The audience were included in the Carol Service with five opportunities to sing old favourites starting with ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ and ending off on ‘O come all ye faithful’.

The church’s adult singing group also performed ‘Still the Night’ and the church youth band led by singer Lydia McIver with backing guitarists and drummer performed an up-beat ‘Shout to the North’.

A finale duet performance was given by singing sisters Elsie Normington and Elizabeth Norris who sang ‘0 Holy Night’ and ‘Jesus was born in a stable’.

On behalf of the four participating schools Elaine Stewart, Head Teacher of Duncan Forbes Primary said: “All the pupils were fantastic, and a credit to their schools. Even though they practised separately you would never have known that they hadn’t sung together before.  It was a joy and a privilege to conduct them. Our special thanks go to Muriel Pearson, Music Teacher to all the primaries who prepared each of the choirs for last night she did a wonderful job.”

The event was organised by the church’s Family Support Worker, Ali MacDonald who liaised with each of the local school choirs to make the event possible.

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