Festival of Voices, St Mary’s Church – May 2026
The historic walls of St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge, were filled to the rafters on Friday 1 May for our annual Festival of Voices. It was a truly spectacular evening that showcased the immense vocal talent across the entire Woodbridge School community, featuring students from the Prep Chamber Choir all the way through to the Senior School. The church was packed with a delighted audience , creating an electric atmosphere of shared celebration and pride in a venue that provided the perfect acoustic backdrop.
Miss Weston, our Head of Singing, shares more about the evening.
“The importance of singing in education cannot be overstated, as it serves as a powerful tool for developing confidence, teamwork, and cognitive skills. Woodbridge School promotes this philosophy by fostering vocal excellence across all year groups, creating a seamless journey from the youngest pupils to the most experienced seniors. By bringing together a diverse range of ages, the school encourages a culture of mentorship and community. This was beautifully exemplified when the Head Girl, Year 13’s Emily, joined the Prep Chamber Choir for a charming performance of Do Re Mi, a moment that highlighted the supportive bonds between the School’s different tiers.
The programme was a masterclass in variety, blending sacred traditions with contemporary hits. The mood was unremittingly joyful, a sentiment captured early on by the Woodbridge School Prep Chamber Choir with their spirited rendition of Make a Joyful Noise. It was particularly heartening to see such a strong representation of male singers throughout the night. The Bari Tones brought a cool, classic energy to the stage with Bad Moon Rising and Blackbird , while the combined power of the Chamber Choir, Bari Tones, and Senior Boys for He Ain’t Heavy was a poignant highlight that demonstrated the depth of the School’s vocal department.
While the entire evening featured exceptional singing, several performances were true stand-outs. Chorum delivered The Road Home with a sophisticated, ethereal quality , while the collaboration between the West Tones and Chamber Choir for Hail Holy Queen was a high-octane triumph. The evening closed with the technical brilliance of the Chamber Choir performing Rutter’s Sing a Song of Sixpence and the soul-stirring Music Down in My Soul.”
The evening’s success is a testament to the incredible leadership within the music department. Miss Weston deserves the highest praise for her vision, hard work, and hosting; as the driving force behind the event, her conducting provided a platform where every student felt empowered to shine. The vocalists were expertly supported by James Davy, whose sensitive and masterful accompaniment provided the perfect foundation for every piece. Special thanks also go to Miss Barnes for her dedicated work and expertise with the Bari Tones. Woodbridge School continues to set a gold standard for musical education, and this celebratory display of talent left the audience inspired as they travelled home.
