Now in its third year we are pleased to be running our Schools Christmas Carol Competition once again this year.

The response to our previous competitions has been fantastic and we have been thrilled to receive entries from schools across the country. Last year, five finalists heard their carols performed by vocal ensemble The Leading Ladies with the competition judged by Philip Berg, Director of Music at The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy and former Director of Music at St Paul’s Juniors.

The winning carol was by Annie Chown, a Sixth Form student at Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School and A Cradle Song received a performance by St Catherine Singers, the chamber choir, at the Carol Service held at St Martin-in-the-Fields.

Please see below for information on how to enter this year’s competition and good luck!

THE RULES

  • The carol should be written for upper voices in no more than three parts
  • The carol may be unaccompanied or accompanied by piano or organ
  • The competition is open to any school-age student aged 18 or under on 1 September 2020
  • Entries should use a sacred text appropriate for use at a Carol Service; the words should be either out of copyright or permission should have been obtained from copyright holder

THE PRIZE

  • Shortlisted entrants will be invited to a Finalists’ Concert at Habs Girls’ School on Wednesday 4 November, at which the entries will be performed and a winner selected.
  • The winner will receive a performance of their carol at the School’s Carol Service, held at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London
  • Additionally the winner will receive an Amazon Voucher of £50, the runner-up £40 and the remaining finalists £20

HOW TO ENTER

  • Entrants should send their entry, along with the contact details of both themselves and their school’s Director of Music and (if applicable) proof of permission to use any text in copyright to: Tim Scott Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls, Aldenham Road, Elstree HERTS WD6 3BT or tscott@habsgirls.org.uk
  • Entries should be submitted no later than 9am on Monday 5 October