A heartwarming story has emerged from St James the Great Primary School in Thornton Heath, where a group of talented schoolchildren has come together to record a Christmas single, ‘Joy on Christmas Day’, in support of their music department. This festive track, penned by the school’s Choir Director Ziad Khwiss, showcases the angelic voices of pupils from the chamber choir.
Collaborating with nearby Trinity School in Shirley, the talented Big Band students, aged 15-17, provided the instrumental accompaniment during the recording sessions, adding depth and richness to the song. Their seamless partnership has brought a unique charm to the project, highlighting the power of unity and shared passion for music.
Ziad Khwiss, the visionary behind this musical endeavor, shared his inspiration for the project, saying, “We had the idea of recording the song when members of the choir asked, ‘Can we sing something new?’ So, I thought, absolutely! I wrote the song, and they learned it in one session.” This spontaneous creativity and collaborative spirit have been the driving force behind the success of ‘Joy on Christmas Day’.
The significance of this initiative goes beyond just creating a beautiful piece of music. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of art and education in shaping young minds. Mr. Khwiss expressed his deep-rooted belief in the potential of his students, stating, “St James is based in an area of high deprivation, and I wanted to show our students that with talent, dedication, and passion, all things are possible.”
The students involved in this project have not only honed their musical skills but have also gained valuable insights into the creative and technical aspects of music production. Their journey towards creating ‘Joy on Christmas Day’ has been a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit.
As the festive track competes for the coveted Christmas Number One spot, it stands as a symbol of hope, unity, and the transformative power of music. Through their collective efforts, the students at St James the Great Primary School have not only showcased their talents but have also set an inspiring example for others to follow. So, tune in to ‘Joy on Christmas Day’ on Spotify and witness the magic created by these young musical prodigies.
