On Saturday March 1st Northbourne Park School played 11 other schools in the BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year Competition. The day began badly with Daniel Bondatti being declared unfit to travel – having knocked himself out in the shower. This brought our numbers down to fourteen and we became very nervous when we saw the size of the other teams.
We heard three other choirs sing before it was our turn and, after a brief warm-up, we were on the stage – an enormous stage which made us look very small. Our three songs went very well and our supporters said that we sounded just as strong as choirs with twice the numbers. We then took our seats to hear the other competitors.
While the adjudicators deliberated, all the choirs and their supporters were encouraged to sing some energetic songs which involved a lot of movement. The sight of Mrs. Nairac, Mr. & Mrs. Tobin and Major & Mrs. Harrison standing with their elbows sticking out, their feet apart, their head on one shoulder and their tongues hanging out was very amusing.
The adjudicators chose five choirs to be Choir of the Day and go through to the next round. Particularly to the surprise of Mr. Berriman, we were one of the chosen.
Many thanks should go to Nikki Douglas for accompanying us and to Mrs. Nairac for helping organise the choir.
Singers of the Match: The whole choir, with a special mention for Danni O’Neill, who sang her solo beautifully.
Anvil Theatre, Basingstoke
Children's Choirs of the Day
Camden Young Singers
John Fisher RC Comprehensive School Boys Choir
Kent College Choristers
Northbourne Park School
