SIXTH-FORMERS have been doing their bit to get Northwich into the Christmas spirit by hosting two evenings of festive music, carols and songs.

As a former cathedral chorister who would practise all the Christmas solos from about August onwards, I was delighted to received an invitation to The Spirit of Christmas, performed by the musicians from Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College.

Staff and students have put together an adventurous programme of traditional and modern Christmas favourites, from artists as diverse as Bach, Holst, Maria Carey and even The Pogues.

Northwich Guardian: Lillie Rigby performs her part of the duet Suddenly Seymour from the college's upcoming run of Little Shop of Horrors (Sir John Deane's Sixth Form College)Lillie Rigby performs her part of the duet Suddenly Seymour from the college's upcoming run of Little Shop of Horrors (Sir John Deane's Sixth Form College) (Image: Sir John Deane's Sixth Form College)

The concert began with a welcome address from Mr Harry Dichmont, the college’s newly appointed (and recently qualified) teacher of music, then it was straight into a lively rendition of Murtha’s A Rockin’ Christmas by the college’s 25-piece concert band.

This was followed by the chamber choir’s first performace, Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovich’s Carol of the Bells, no doubt well known to mega-fans (like me) of Home Alone.

Next came the first of four opportunities for the audience to participate in the music-making. Allowing no time for embarrassment to build, the concert band struck up with God Rest Ye, Merry Gentleman, with lyrics projected onto a huge screen, leaving no excuse not to join in. The audience did not disappoint, at least in terms of enthusiasm, and a special mention goes to Northwich town mayor Graham Emmett and his booming baritone. (Who knew!)  

Northwich Guardian: Member of the Brass Ensemble performing The Pogue's Fairytale of New York (Sir John Deane's Sixth Form College)Member of the Brass Ensemble performing The Pogue's Fairytale of New York (Sir John Deane's Sixth Form College) (Image: Sir John Deane's Sixth Form College)

Two student-led groups followed: first, the string ensemble with a tight performance of the first movement of Bach’s Double Violin Concerto; second, the jazz ensemble with that stylish rendition of Maria Carey’s All I Want For Christmas is You.  

Moving away from Christmas slightly, next came a sneak preview of the college’s upcoming fully staged production of Little Shop of Horrors, in which students Lillie Rigby and Zak Marmont wowed the audience with the duet Suddenly Seymour. 

Then it was straight back into Christmas with more mixed repertoire from the concert band, brass ensemble, chamber choir, wind ensemble (all saxophones at the moment, as Mr Dichmont playfully point out), and the jazz ensemble.

Northwich Guardian: Flautist Grace McWilliams performs with the Concert Band (Sir John Deane's Sixth Form College)Flautist Grace McWilliams performs with the Concert Band (Sir John Deane's Sixth Form College) (Image: Sir John Deane's Sixth Form College)

It really was a privilege to come and watch such talented young people who, as they reach a time in their lives when so many new things start to open-up to them, have not given up on the instruments they have so clearly worked hard at for so many years.

Rebeccah Homer, head of music and performing arts at the college, added: “The Spirit of Christmas concert is a highlight in the college calendar.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the musical talents of our students, from within the Performing Arts department and across the College. 

“Special congratulations must go to the student leaders of our string, brass, wind and jazz ensembles, for their hard work in selecting and rehearsing repertoire with their peers.”