The Kingston College Chapel Choir continued its tradition of having a very busy Christmas schedule. The 2014 activities were more hectic than usual because we undertook the recording of our first Christmas CD, ‘Sing De Chorus.’
The CD launch was scheduled for December 2, 2014 at Alhambra Inn. Recording was started in October at KC Old Boy Gussie Clarke’s Anchor Recording Studio. Unfortunately, the CHIKV epidemic was in full swing when we started, causing much anxiety on the part of our choir director Audley Davidson.
In the end, we were quite pleased with the final product. We believe it is an achievement of which our choristers and the larger Fortis family will be proud. The CD launch coincided with an unexpected torrential downpour. Nevertheless, many KC old boys and supporters were on hand for the occasion.
Guest speaker at the launch was the Hon. Marigold Harding, Custos of St. Andrew and wife of prominent KC Old Boy Ossie Harding. The choir made presentations to the Custos, Curtis Martin, KC Old Boy and assistant general manager JNBS and Billy Heaven, CEO CHASE Fund. The Custos is an ardent supporter and had selected our choir to perform at the national Cathedral in Washington DC in 2012. The latter two are representatives of our sponsors.
The choir, performed several selections from the CD. KC Old Boy Frankie Campbell was proud to buy the first CD for sale. The event was chaired by Leachim Semaj who did an excellent job that night and again days later as MC at the UWI concert.
On December 18, 2014 the choir performed at the annual Carol Service of the Kingston College Lodge. This event is now a fixture on our calendar and we have received good reports from the brethren who attended this service.
On the following evening, we had a dress rehearsal at UWI chapel with orchestra present. Then on Sunday, December 21, 2014 our main concert was presented to a full house. The Suffragan Bishop of Kingston, Robert Thompson and the Custos of St. Andrew were in attendance. The first two pieces, Te Deum and Ave Verum (Mozart) were conducted by Joel Wolfe who has just completed his doctorate at South Carolina State University. Joel is the son-in-law of former KCCC chorister, Howie Cooper.
The concert was well received. The choir was rewarded with a standing ovation. Presentations were made to the Headmaster, Bishop Robert Thompson, soloist Lori Burnett, former chorister and choir manager Hector Hall, Teddy McCook scholarship awardee, Salim Chung, guest conductor Joel Wolf and Noel Spencer, KC old boy from NY. Noel played a key role in our trip to Washington DC and has continued to support the choir.
Dennis Duncan did an excellent job in videotaping the concert. He edited the recording over the next 48 hours and presented TVJ with a one hour program which was aired at 9.00am on Christmas Day. The choir committee will shortly decide on the production of a concert DVD for interested members of the Fortis family.
A second concert was held in St. Augustine Chapel on December 28, 2014. Kingston College students and teachers were given the opportunity to see their choir without charge. Other visitors also attended including the well known Jamaican composer, Noel Dexter. Noel has since complimented us on the high standard of music presented by our choir.
The choir has since been on a well deserved break. Unfortunately, we had to decline an invitation from The Queen’s School because of our workload. But our plans for 2016 already include the celebration of our schools 90th anniversary.
On behalf of the choir committee members, Marguerita Hall (vice principal), Carol Cuffley, Elaine Vaughan, Hugh Vaughan, Bernard Channer, Peter John Gordon, Leachim Semaj and choir director Audley Davidson; I wish to thank all members of the Kingston College fraternity who continue to support our choir.
Dr. Robert Wan is Chairman of the KCCCC