The Choir

There was little opportunity, with a very early Lent, to enjoy the privilege of visiting preachers : but the Dean of York, and the Rev. D. V. Hewitt both came, and we are most grateful to them.

Our Servers, led by the Chapel Monitor, have been most regular and punctual; and have done their work admirably.

The total collections in Chapel during the term amounted to £74 3s. 9d., and the number of Communicants was 927.

C.P.

The term began with preparations for the annual Epiphany Procession in the Minster. This year more than the customary practice was necessary, for, instead of the Tudor motet by Weelkes, Gloria in Excelsis Deo, we had to prepare a work which was new to us, All they from Saba by Jokob Handl. This change was made because it had been felt in previous years that the climax of the whole service, the actual presentation of the gifts by the Kings, had been somewhat overshadowed by the musical glories of the Weelkes which was being sung at the same time. Now, while the gifts are made, silence reigns in the Minster, so that the words of the Kings may be heard distinctly. Then, the ceremony of the gifts completed, the joint choirs burst forth with the short and triumphant All they from Saba as a commentary on what has just been achieved.

Besides the weekly anthems and services in Chapel, the Choir contributed to the Mozart concert on Saturday, 10th March, singing two motets, Ave verum Corpus and Splendente te, Deus.

The Choir Supper was held on 23rd March and we all, except Beresford and Foster who were ill, partook of a splendid feast at the invitation of the Head Master. After the meal, a short break was made while the old Dining Hall was prepared for the sing-song. Besides the massed singing of old favourites, "Professor" Jeffs gave us a fine exhibition of sleight of hand, Badham showed us some card tricks, Canon Patteson sang "The nightmare song" from "Iolanthe" and the Head Master led us in singing "John Brown's Baby" with actions. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and the evening was voted a great success.

Since he came to St. Peter's a year ago from the Minster Choir, B. Jones has, by his leadership, given a firmness and efficiency to the treble line in the Choir, and has delighted us and many others with the many solos he has sung both at School and in public. Now the trebles will have to say goodbye to him but we hope his musical career will continue, and that he will soon be singing again in the Choir.

The following works were sung during the term :-

Carols: The Noble Stem of Jesse.

O'er the hill. Up good Christian folk.

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