AT this time of year Chulmleigh College’s musicians would usually be putting on a Christmas Concert for the school community, featuring the orchestra, choir, drumming group, jazz club, CMAc ensembles and numerous soloists.

The pandemic put paid to that, however Music Teacher Mr James Cookson instead wrote “A Carol for All” – a collaborative piece involving more than 100 musicians from Years 7-11 – in effect the entire Christmas Concert in one!

The carol was recorded on at least 10 separate occasions during two weeks, within year group bubbles, then mixed down to one final impressive version.

The pandemic has been a difficult time for music teachers and performers, and so coming together in this way was hugely important for all those involved.

The song is a celebration of the inherent goodwill there is in all of us, if we choose to show it. The poignant lyrics really highlight the difficult year we have all faced, and serve the dual purpose of sharing a Christmas performance with the community whilst raising funds for The Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity very close to the hearts of all at the College.

Everyone at Chulmleigh College would like to wish the community a very peaceful Christmas.

If anyone would like to donate to The Teenage Cancer Trust the link is here: https://tinyurl.com/JustGivingCCTeenageCancerTrust .