'Songs of Praise' took a lot of work

The production of the CD Songs of Praise by the Kingston College Chapel Choir was no easy task said Audley Davidson, director of the 63-year-old choir.

It was one that involved long hours of work in getting the voices harmonised and developing an authentic interpretation of the songs. He said, "We had lots of preparation, making sure that the music is known, interpretation and intonation were perfect."

Davidson said the choir had to put in four hours of practice each week over a three-month period. "It was a lot of work."

And another issue to contend with was the fact that the boys' voices would change as they went through puberty. After joining the choir, he pointed out that the treble voices, "only last for two or three years having come to the choir at age 12 with little or no singing experience."

Putting the challenges aside, such as finding the right place to do the recordings and the appropriate "tuned" instruments, Davidson said he enjoyed the production immensely.

"After listening to the finished product I had this sense of achievement," he said, smiling as he explained that this was his first time working on such a production.

Davidson has been with the choir since 2008. The director of music at the St Andrew Parish Church, was formerly with the North Western Choral, a 59-year-old choir in Montego Bay.

Peter Dawes, one of the choristers, pointed out that the hard work on the production of the CD was "quite an experience, and in the end it was very rewarding."

Dawes, a KC old boy, has been singing on the choir since he was 12 years old. Now in his 20s and a first year medical student at the University of the West Indies, he said he wants to continue the legacy.

Keeping a legacy alive

"When I was younger, I use to see these big men on the choir and I use to wonder why they continued to be members, but now I understand. I have grown to realise that it is part of keeping a legacy alive," he said, pointing out that the choir had helped in his personal development and moulded him into a much better person.

"I also want to give back and help other young boys in the choir," said Dawes.

While the production of the CD impacted on his personal time, it forced him to do proper time management.

Both Davidson and Dawes said the CD, which will be launched at the Kingston Parish Church on Sunday at 8 a.m., is a worthwhile acquisition for anyone deeply interested in choral music.

"It is one of the best local choral CDs to be produced in Jamaica," said Davidson. "There is something there for everyone, irrespective of age."

The CD, which has 20 religious songs, has a mix of well-known hymns, including Angel Voices Ever Singing, an arrangement by Christopher Tambling; Praise My Soul, The King of Heaven with arrangement by Hal Hopson; and songs such as Jah is My Keeper by Peter Tosh; as well as Redemption Song by the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley, among others.

Copies will be available for sale at the launch; and proceeds from the sale of the CDs will support the choir's activities, which include the purchase of music scores, uniforms and transportation.