An early start on Tuesday 5 March saw Chamber Choir start their long journey to Symphony Hall, Birmingham to take part in the finals of the annual Barnardo’s National Choral Competition. 

After a short break and snack it was time to warm up and then head backstage ready to sing in the competition.  As the choir walked onto the platform they took in the magnificent surroundings and settled down ready for their performance.  An energetic and exciting performance of ‘We Sing, We Dance’ (complete with hand claps and foot stamps!) was followed by an exquisite rendition of ‘Walk With Me’ in which the final, magical note resonated around the hall before the audience exploded in applause.

We were delighted that the Junior School Chamber Choir was one of just 14 junior schools selected from across the UK to perform in the finals, and our students also had the opportunity to watch the finalists from the Senior class, setting their aspirations high for the future.  

In between working hard vocally, the students headed out into the sunshine and made their way to the Sealife Centre, where they enjoyed exploring all that was on offer.  The otters were a great hit, along with penguins, sharks and a whole host of different fish.

After a busy day the students headed back to Symphony Hall for a massed rehearsal before then joining with all the other choirs for the evening’s entertainment: each choir sang one of their two competition pieces and joined forces to fill the hall with powerful renditions of ‘Past Time With Good Company’ and ‘A Place in the Choir.’

The Chamber Choir members represented the School exceptionally well and finally returned home tired but joyful, just before the clock struck midnight, having entertained many people and helped the valuable fundraising needed for Barnardo’s to continue their work with disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.