MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council John Boyle has hosted a reception in the Guildhall for two local schools after coming out tops in BBC NI school choir competition.
Thornhill College and Ebrington Primary School were named as the North of Ireland’s top senior and junior school choirs in the live final of BBC NI School Choir Of The Year.
The final was broadcast from the Ulster Hall in Belfast earlier this month on Sunday, April 7.
Sixty-two schools took part in the competition, with six schools making it to the final – three primary and three secondary schools.
The awards were presented by guest judge Carrie Grant, a vocal coach.
During their visit to the Guildhall to meet the Mayor, both schools performed their winning songs that made them top of the class.
Mayor Boyle said today: “What a treat to host a reception for the Ebrington Primary School and Thornhill College choirs who swept the boards at the BBC Northern Ireand Choir of the Year finals
“Thank you to both schools for taking the time to visit the Guildhall to perform their wonderful award winning songs.”
TOP OF THE CLASS…Mayor Boyle with pupils and teachers from Ebrington Primary School
“I cannot say ‘well done’ enough – you are all amazing. This means the world to us.”
The rest of the judging panel was made up of Ciaran Scullion, head of music for the Arts Council for Northern Ireland, Richard Yarr, a senior producer at BBC Radio Ulster and Andrew Nunn, musical director with the Ulster Youth Choir.
The choirs taking part in the junior category final were: Macosquin Primary School, Macosquin; Ebrington Primary School, Derry, and Pond Park Primary School, Lisburn.
In the senior category competing in the final were: Dalriada School, Ballymoney; Thornhill College, Derry, and Carrickfergus Grammar, Carrickfergus.
Each choir performed two songs.
Thornhill College sang The Seal Lullaby and De Angelis.
Elizabeth Quigley, Thornhill College’s conductor said after the win: “I am over the moon and so happy for the girls. They have worked so hard for this.
“They are a credit to themselves and the school.”
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