Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96The traditional start to the Christmas season took place in true King Henry VIII School style with a poignant rendition of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, this year ably voiced by soloist Kate Dowling in the opening verse. The Carol Service then proceeded with a message for Christmas from the Chaplain, Reverend Alison Hogger. The ensuing readings from pupils and the Headmaster were interspersed with musical delights. There were choral highlights a-plenty ranging from Year 7 choirs to King Henry’s VIII 9 at the top end of the school. One particularly impressive moment was the Year 8 and 9 choir who sang in carefully crafted harmonies completely from memory in their two items. To add to the choral items presented by students, were further congregational carols which filled the hall with a body of sound as there was barely an empty seat to be seen. Instrumentalists strutted their stuff too, with classical items from the Chamber Orchestra, Brass Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble as well as a more modern piece for Clarinet Ensemble; all added an air of decorum and dignity. Well done to violin soloist Natasha Halder who performed two movements from Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ with the Chamber Orchestra underpinned by harpsichordist Daniel Brennan playing by candlelight. There were lighter numbers too from the Year 7, 8 and 9 choirs as well as the seasoned Sovereign Singers. This of course was all rounded off by the customary sleigh ride performed by the School Orchestra. Many then joined us in the dining hall for festive, light-hearted music to wash down the mince pies and mulled wine, from the Wind Band led by Mrs. Julie Spraggett, the Jazz Band, led by Mr. Tom Martin and the school’s newly formed Fiddle Band, led by Mr. Kennedy. The Christmas spirit didn’t start on Tuesday 15th December with the Carol service however. On Friday 4th December, Henry’s 9 visited Newlands Care Home in Kenilworth and performed a selection of Christmas Music which was very well received by the residents. Henry’s once again showcasing their great community spirit. Mrs. Julie Spraggett, Head of Brass The ChrisTmas season heralded warm-hearTed delighTs from The musiC deparTmenT 24 | The CovenTrian