Teamwork was the theme of last weekend on Girls Weekend, where our girls worked together under the leadership of Head Chorister Clemmie to create a pattern on a maypole. The determination of some of the girls was commendable, and they successfully created a plait. York Minster girls' choir joined our girls on Saturday afternoon for Evensong. 'Let all mortal flesh keep silence' by Bairstow was a standout piece of music. After the service, we had amazing pizza from Spags and a movie night in the common room. 

I've been spending time these last few weeks speaking to our Y8 leavers about memories of their time as a Chorister and what music they'd select for their dream evensong. We had a last minute change to a psalm choice following Tuesday's evensong, during which Psalm 122 was sung. This psalm is special to the Choristers as it is sung every time a Chorister is promoted to Full Chorister. There is a short ceremony by the Dean or Vice-Dean, and the newly promoted Chorister signs the Chorister Book. 

On Tuesday, we celebrated the promotion of Viola, and it was lovely to see so many smiles in the congregation and Choir during the ceremony. Viola will now wear a white surplice over her purple cassock, which is a sign of full Choristership. Well done Viola and good luck in the rest of your chorister journey. 

Psalm 122

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. 

Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: 

Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. 

For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.

For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.

Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good."