On December 13, the St. John's Youth Choir, under the direction of Marjorie Pettit, will present its annual concert of Christmas carols and songs at St. John's Church, Pembroke at 7.30pm. The concert features holiday favourites, traditional and modern, spiritual and secular. Here Bermuda High School's Jenna Kessaram, the longest-serving member of the choir, reflects on a decade-long involvement with the choir.

The St. John's Youth Choir has been a part of my life since I was six years old when my sister Anna became a member. I would listen to the practices and beg her to teach me the songs I found so exciting. I soon joined the choir myself. Now ten years later and still a member of the choir, I remember those days fondly. Even now, the exciting choral arrangements and thrill of performing in front of a large audience, accompanied by a dedicated orchestra, instils in me the enthusiasm of my six-year-old self.

The choir has changed much over the years. Ten years ago the choir consisted of only around a dozen members. Their dedication and enthusiasm for the music made for a small yet strong group with a devoted leader, Mrs. Pettit. I still remember the pride I felt whenever a member of the audience expressed shock at my young age and commented on our performances.

Now, as a choir with 50 members from all over the Island, we have a much stronger sound and generally high levels of musical ability, with sight-singing, musical intonation and the ability to sing in parts. The auditions every year never fail to bring more promising talent, and more enthusiastic members. With this constant influx of eager singers, the choir has come to a stage where its strength never ceases to amaze me. Under the direction of Mrs. Pettit, an unfailing influence in many of our lives and especially mine, we benefit from a first class education in music, all for the simple price of a few hours each week.

Through the choir, I have also been offered many extraordinary opportunities. Through the years we have sung with 'The American Boy Choir', been accompanied by truly amazing instrumentalists, mastered works originally intended for adult choirs (such as Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols and pieces from Handel's Messiah) and sung in numerous prestigious events, most recently the Thanksgiving Service attended by her Majesty the Queen.

The annual Christmas Concert, due to take place on December 13th, is perhaps one of the most exciting events at which The St. John's Youth Choir sings. It embodies the excitement of youth during the holiday season and features some technically difficult versions of traditional Christmas songs, as well as some new twists on old favourites. While we may grumble and complain about the traditional wearing of cassocks during this performance, the level of commitment required, the bright lights or even the seating arrangements, you can rest assured that when the moment arrives, we are all united by our common love of the music.

Tickets, $30 for adults, $20 for students, can be purchased from the Bermuda Bookstore on Queen Street, Pianos Plus on Front Street and at the door.