LISTEN: 'Living in a lockdown in sunny Alderney'

Wednesday 17 June 2020

Children at St Anne's School in Alderney have recorded a song with original lyrics written by their teacher, to bring cheer to Bailiwick residents while reflecting on the time the islands have spent in lockdown.

The students joined together virtually to learn their parts and sing from their own homes, ahead of their return to school last week.

The piece has been a success on social media, with thousands of views, and has been shared by people as far away as New Zealand and Australia.

"We've had a school choir for about the last 18 months," explained Maria Collier, who teaches at St Anne's and leads the choir. "We've built up from nothing to winning a class in the Eisteddfod - that was quite a big thing for us. We had to go on a big trip to Guernsey which cost us in excess of £2,000.

"We've got about 25 singers now and I wanted to keep the momentum going in lockdown. I actually wrote the words at the beginning of lockdown to the music of one of the pieces they'd already done for the Eisteddfod.

"The students had to learn it at home and then record dozens of versions - one girl did about 98 versions until she had one she was pleased with!"

The choir has quickly become a part of Alderney's island life and has performed in concerts as well as to residents in the local care home.

"The children really enjoy it," Ms Collier added. "They love singing, so it's been really important to keep it going and keep the enthusiasm up after the Eisteddfod.

Pictured: The choir recently won a class in the Guernsey Eisteddfod.

"Singing is so important. It's been a real boost for everybody since we started the choir and we've been able to use it out in the community as well.

"The students have enjoyed their five minutes of fame and it seems to have made other people happy in the island, in the Bailiwick and across the world!"

Although they haven't been able to meet yet due to restrictions around singing in Phase Four of the Bailiwick's lockdown exit, both Ms Collier and the singers are hoping to get back to rehearsing and performing very soon.

Pictured top: St Anne's School with file image of children.