Young Voices 2020

On Wednesday 5 February 2020, my schoolmate and I went to the O2 Arena in North Greenwich to perform in a big choir with a lot of schools in London. We were chosen to represent The Rosedale Hewens Academy Trust (or THRAT for short) in the school choir. 

The school bus came at 10:11 on the dot. All the children in the school choir went down to the school canteen. All the children who purchased the shirts from the Young Voices 2020 website received theirs accompanied by a wristband sponsored by teenage cancer charity) and a small torch-light.

Once we got ready, we took the bus and were off to a long journey which lasted for two long hours. I was excited as I sat next to my best friend, H. We had a good time there, some of them were feeling hungry and kept asking when they would be able to have lunch.

Finally, at I3:oo, when we arrived at Greenwich, we finally  got to eat our lunch and a quick bathroom break and it was soon time for rehearsal. We practised many songs including The Deadwood City, Windy City, Doin` What Comes Natur`lly, The Surrey With The Fringe On Top and many more ! 

The groups of songs were named : 

Best OF THE West 

You`ll Be in My Heart / I`m On My Way 

Ode To Joy 

KUSIMAMA 

FRIGHTFEST 

Larger Than Life 

Shiny Happy People 

QUEEN Medley

Altogether, the rehearsal of the songs lasted for two hours and it was exciting to hear 8839 children sing in harmony. The conductor taught us his signals when we had to sing or let the other side sing while we wait. It was amazing – I have never seen something like this before. After we rehearsed, it was time for another break (dinner time, break) before the parents would arrive to see the show that we have prepared for so many months. 

At half past six, the parents were starting to make their way inside the arena. At the strike of seven, the show started - all the children were thrilled when the conductor came in and introduced the show for the evening. There were so many different performances in between our songs and everyone  cheered as soon as they would make their appearance on screen. All the participants  would stand up when they had to perform, the best moment was when we had to sing and do the actions, everyone was doing the same actions and it was a unique moment. 

Finally, the show came at an end at 9 o’clock and I felt sad all of a sudden as it was time to track back home. The journey was long again and I was clearly tired. I needed to sleep but luckily Harry kept me going until we reached school. Once I got home, I showered and was flat out in my bed.