ST BEES SCHOOL HEADING TO THE TOP OF THE “CHARTS” WITH NEW SCHOOL SONG
ST BEES SCHOOL HEADING TO THE TOP OF THE “CHARTS” WITH NEW SCHOOL SONG
Hands up any of you who remember their school song… Hands up, please. What no one? No one at all? St Bees School have decided to improve this situation by writing one.
“Why do you choose to do this?” I hear you ask. Well read on and all will be revealed.
“A Headmaster certainly isn’t normally expected to be a song writer too. But here at St Bees, we all wear many hats and aspiring musician is certainly one of mine,” proclaims Roger Sinnett, the St Bees’ Headmaster.
Recorded at the Music Farm recording studio in Egremont under the expert production of Lee Shackley, Roger plays the guitars whilst also providing the vocals and is supported by Lee on Drums and keyboards. The duo even included the Priory church’s impressive organ in the final mix. In this day and age where all is global, it’s good to find something which has been written, performed, produced and recorded locally.
The process of writing the song took place over the summer, when the whole country was on lockdown. Roger and the Senior Leadership Team at St Bees knew that they were introducing a new House system into the school in September – but needed something different, something that united the students, and something that provides some inspiration – and lighthearted fun in the midst of this pandemic.
Aspiring to be the next number 1 chart hit, Roger’s musical prowess is yet to be discovered.
The school song is entitled ‘Soul of St Bees’ and carries a verse dedicated to each of the four pillars of school life – see below – keeping their heritage and tradition alive. There is, of course, a rousing chorus to accompany. The song was road-tested yesterday with the 53 students and 38 school staff during the school’s first House tournament, where it was met with a room full of beaming smiles and waving of arms to the timing of the music – an all-round chart topping success within the school community.
The song features the four school Houses. At St Bees the students and staff are divided into four Houses and take part, throughout the school year, in inter-House competitions. So what are these four Houses?
Bega Colour Blue. Named after St Bega, the Irish princess who gave her name to the village of St Bees and established the first church here.
Elizabeth Colour Red. Named after Queen Elizabeth 1st who granted the charter to establish the school at St Bees.
Foundation Colour gold. This is the name of the main – and original – school building, completed in 1588. Foundation is the heart of the school and the hub of learning life.
Grindal Colour green. Son of a local farmer, Edmund Grindal, Archbishop of Canterbury, was the founder of St Bees School in 1583, whose vision, perseverance and resolve signify the heart of our present school ethos.
In the fullness of time, the school intends to involve the students and staff in recording a second school song – providing opportunities for the musicians within the school community.
If you are interested in hearing ‘Soul of St Bees’, check it out here and on the St Bees School Facebook page.
