KINGSTON, Jamaica – One of the finest choirs in Jamaica, the Kingston College Chapel Choir will be launching its fifth CD, “Songs of Praise,” having done its last major production of this nature more than 10 years ago.
Dr. Robert Wan, chairman of the Choir Management Committee, said the choir, formed 63 years ago, remained active throughout this period, making it probably the oldest high school choir in Jamaica.
The KCCC will be releasing the Compact Disc (CD) with 20 religious songs, in a ceremony to be held as part of the regular service at the Kingston Parish Church on Sunday, September 18, 2011, starting at 8:00 a.m., with the collaboration of Bishop E. Don Taylor.
“It is a high quality CD and includes a wide range of selections from Psalms and Hymns, through concert favourites to contemporary Jamaican music. Its appeal extends beyond the Kingston College fraternity, and it will be extremely pleasing to people who love this genre of music,” said Dr. Wan.
The CD, which was produced over a three month period, has a mix of well known hymns such as: Angel Voices Ever Singing with arrangement by Christopher Rambling; Praise My Soul, The King of Heaven with arrangement from Hal Hopson; Psalm 67 and Psalm 121, among others.
Dr. Wan pointed out that the CD includes concerts favorites such as Jusu Joy of Mans’ Desiring (Bach) and Ave Verum (Mozart). It also has a mix of Jamaican songs including Jah is My Keeper by Peter Tosh and arranged by Audley Davidson; O Praise Ye The Lord composed by Noel Dexter; and Redemption Song by Bob Marley and arranged by Audley Davidson.
The choir was prepared and led for the recording by its director Audley Davidson, who has guided the choir since 2008. Ann McNamee accompanied the choir on organ, piano and keyboard. And, Frankie Campbell, renowned bass player of Fab 5 Band, and a KC choirboy of the early 1960s, produced the CD.
Dr. Wan stated that the choir made a tremendous effort to deliver an outstanding musical experience for discerning listeners. “The boys rehearsed the 20 selected songs carefully to ensure a high quality performance,” he revealed.
Kingston College Chapel Choir in performance at St. James Parish Church in Montego Bay, recently.
The 40 member choir recorded the CD at Immaculate Conception High School, St. Andrew; Christ Church, Vineyard Town and St. Matthews Church, Allman Town.
“This CD would not have been possible without the investment of Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), which has been involved with the choir since 2005, supporting the choir’s Christmas concerts at The University of the West Indies chapel and in Montego Bay,” Dr. Wan explained.
Earl Jarrett, General Manager of JNBS, said the Society’s involvement with the choir was part of its corporate social responsibility. “JNBS seeks to fund projects that instill good habits in young people through healthy activities, such as the Kingston College Chapel Choir,” he said, in commending the work of the choir.
Some 600 CDs will be available for sale at the launch; and proceeds from the sale of the CDs will support the choir’s activities, which include the purchase of music scores, uniforms and transportation. The choir continues to be in high demand, participating in more than 40 engagements throughout the country, annually.
This is not the first time the choir is promoting a product. In the early 1960’s under the directorship of Barry Davies, the choir recorded its first Long Playing (LP) record entitled, “Favourite Hymns,” which was followed by “In Memoriam,” a tribute to Bishop Percival Gibson, founding Headmaster of the school.
In 1988, under Wayne Moore, “Songs for All Seasons” was recorded; and in 2000, a double CD was produced to commemorate the choir’s 53rd anniversary.
Members of the Kingston College Chapel Choir pose for the camera after a performance at St. James Parish Church in Montego Bay
