The City of Whittlesea recognises the rich Aboriginal heritage of this country
and acknowledges the Wurundjeri Willum Clan as the traditional owners of this place.
We also recognise the Traditional Owners and Elders past, present and emerging
of wherever you are tuning in from tonight.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Carols at the City of Whittlesea is a very special event. The Community Carols Choir is a volunteer choir made up of people who have an interest in singing and like to get together. It is a no-audition choir, open to anyone who would like to take part. There are some community members who have been singing with the choir for over 15 years, giving a wonderful continuity and tradition to this annual event. The choir usually rehearses on Monday nights from early October right through to mid-December, producing a live performance that is entirely community focused.
As we all know too well, 2020 has changed almost every aspect of our lives and getting together (and especially singing together) has become very difficult. So, welcome to a new version of Council’s traditional Community Carols event! We have conceived this project to shine the spotlight firmly on the community members who are contributing and to frame them with high quality music and video production to create a livestream event we can all treasure. Rather than cancelling or diminishing the event, together we have created something unique and quite special.
We hope you enjoy the Whittlesea 2020 Carols.
John Fleming, Event Coordinator.
WELCOME
MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT
Traditionally the Diamond Valley Brass Band would accompany the carols choir, however they have not been able to convene a rehearsal since April! As a result, we have brought in some exceptional musicians to accompany our singers for this event.
Michael Johnson is an accomplished classical harpist and resident composer at the Royal Botanical Gardens and a resident of the City of Whittlesea. He has recorded the accompaniment for Away in a Manger.
The Lauricella family are long standing members and accompanists of the choir, Guy and John recorded the backing for Winter Wonderland in their own home.
Sean Ryan is a Kuku Nyunkal man (far north Queensland) and accomplished Yiki Yiki (didgeridoo) musician. We are very pleased to have him accompany We honour the land, all about acknowledging country.
Daniel Heskett is a brass player and a celebrated arranger and band leader. Having worked in music theatre and a wide array of other mediums he understood immediately what was needed for this project and has given the project the majestic sound it deserves. He has provided the accompaniments for Deck the Halls, God rest ye Merry Gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas, Silent Night, We wish you a Merry Christmas.
CHOIR LEADER FL IP CASE
Flip is a singer, performer, ensemble leader and teacher who believes “singing is our birthright.” After completing studies at Melbourne University, she worked in environmental theatre with Vox Bandicoot and has been leading vocal groups since 1997. Her school and community groups sing material from diverse cultures and traditions and she has a strong commitment to building personal and community wellbeing through sharing the universal and uplifting language of music. Flip currently performs with the female acappella group “Songrise” and previously in “Skirl” and bluegrass band “Side Saddle Gals”.
TONIGHT ’S HOSTS – J IM AND BARB
Passionate carolers Jim and Barb are hosting this year’s big night! After 49 years of marriage, these boomers from Wollert have hosted (almost) more Christmas parties than Santa and Mrs Claus. This year, they can’t wait to share their Christmas fun with you.Jim and Barb are performed by Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias
CREDITS
Welcome to Country Kellie Hunter
Yiki Yiki (didjeridoo) and clap sticks Sean Ryan
Harp Michael Johnson
Daniel Heskett Band
Orchestration, Audio Production, Trumpets Daniel Heskett
Woodwinds Daniel Modica
Trombones Simon Greatwood
Violins Ash Wood
Cellos Deb McLeod
Guitar Will Salisbury
Keyboards Timothy Verdon
Bass Shane Cole-Hayhow
Event producer, audio mix John Fleming
Livestream producer Rachael Dubois
Vision supervision, editing David Franjic
Vision production Greenland Audio
Live audio production Nathan Allen and Cameron Canobie at PRACC
Online content Taylah McLean
CHOIR
Alan LovelaceAmanda BellocciAminda CloughAmy Higginbotham WestleyAnton DiBattistaAntonella TropeaBetty LawBrynley CloughCaryn AvelsgaardCaz DunellCraig LloydCon KotanidisDavid LangEmma LeathamGuy LauricellaJacquie GoodheadJoan Lauricella
Jodie Lang John HowardJohn FlemingKathleen DurongpisitkulKerrianne RomaniaKerry ClarkeKim KocijanLeonie SwiftLesley WaltonMolly SkitchLiz SkitchLoea Lian TjoeLorena DallLucy WooLuke CondickMaggi Palmer Marcus DiBattistaMargaret MittenMaria DormanMataya CloughMerrin TunnecliffeMichelle Francis CookMycah Cudanin Toral-PadillaMyrna BeverlyNicola VaughanRashelle de HaanRon HarveyShelly MatthewsSilvana DiBattistaSimon MollemaSuzanne Coburn
AUSLAN INTERPRETERS
Susan Emerson & Michelle Ashley
ORDER OF PERFORMANCE
WE HONOUR THE LAND
DECK THE HALLS
GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN
KINDNESS OF STRANGERS
S ILENT NIGHT
GOOD K ING WENCESLAS
CAROL OF THE BELLS
AWAY IN A MANGER
WINTER WONDERLAND
C ITY L IFE CHURCH P IECE - TBC
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (2020)
J INGLE BELLS
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS
We honour the land that we’re meeting on (repeat)We honour the country and the old ones (repeat)
We sing up country and we sing it up strong (repeat)For we are all connected as one (repeat)
We are all connected as one (repeat)
We remember the ones who have gone before (repeat)We honour the wisdom of the ancient lore (repeat)
We sing up country and we sing it up strong (repeat)For we are all connected as one (repeat)We are all connected as one (repeat x 3)
WE HONOUR THE LANDFeaturing Sean Ryan on Yiki Yiki (Didgeridoo)
and choir leader Flip Case
Deck the Halls with boughs of hollyFa la la la la, la la la la
’Tis the season to be jolly Fa la la la la, la la la la
Don we now our gay apparel Fa la la, la la la, la la la
Troll the ancient yuletide carol Fa la la la la, la la la la
See the blazing Yule before us Fa la la la la, la la la la
Strike the harp and join the chorus Fa la la la la, la la la la
Follow me in merry measure Fa la la, la la la, la la la
While I tell of Yuletide treasure Fa la la la la, la la la la
Fast away the old year passes Fa la la la la, la la la la
Hail the new ye Lads and Lasses Fa la la la la, la la la la
Sing we joyous all together Fa la la, la la la, la la la
Heedless of the wind and weather Fa la la la la, la la la la
DECK THE HALLS
God rest ye merry gentlemen Let nothing you dismay
For Jesus Christ our Saviour Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r When we were gone astray O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy
From God our Heavenly Father A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain shepherds Brought tidings of the same,
How that in Bethlehem was born The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
The shepherds at those tidings Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding In tempest, storm and wind,
And went to Bethlehem straightway The Son of God to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace; This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth efface. O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy.
GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMENFeaturing Lorena Dall, Jo Flynn and Lesley Walton
Little Jesus and his parents were refugees
From a cruel king came murder and danger.
So they ran for their lives in the dead of the night.
They relied on the kindness of strangers.
Oh Mary, oh Mary, how shall you keep warm?
You’ve nothing but the dress you are wearin’.
Here take this coat, it’s old but it’s good.The night is too cold for wayfaring.
Joseph, Joseph, what shall you eat?Nothing to last you a journey.
Here take this bread and sweet honey.Good luck for your safe returning.
Little Jesus, little Jesus, with what shall you play?
You’ve no toys or sweets to cheer you.Here take my doll and my lollypop,
May the angels all guide and protect you.
Where or where will you sleep my dears?The heat of the day is so savage.
Take my daze and rest in my shade,Away from all struggle and ravage.
Who’ll be there to quench your thirst?Who will cool your fevered brow?
Lay yourself down in my healing water,Let go, let go of your sorrow.
Who will sing to uplift your spirit?Who will sing you an encouraging song?From where I fly I see freedom coming.
Don’t fret for it won’t be long.
Who’ll carry you to the other shore?Who’ll carry your boat to safety?
Moon star and tidal waves all shall blessMother and father and baby.
Little Jesus and his parents were refugeesFrom a cruel king came
murder and dangerSo they ran for their lives in the dead of the night
They relied on the kindness of strangers.
They relied on the kindness of strangers.
K INDNESS OF STRANGERSIncluded with the permission of composer Kavisha Mazzella
Performed by the Whittlesea Township Choir under the direction of Kerry Clarke
S ILENT NIGHT
Silent night, holy night,All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon virgin mother and child,Holy infant so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night,Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,Heavenly hosts sing “Hallelujah!
Christ the Saviour, is born!”
GOOD K ING WENCESLASFeaturing John Howard and Simon Mollema
Good King Wenceslas looked out On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay ‘round about Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight Gath’ring winter fuel.
“Hither, page, and stand by me If thou know’st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?Where and what his dwelling?”
“Sire, he lives a good league, hence Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence By Saint Agnes’ fountain.”
“Bring me flesh and bring me wine Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine When we bear them thither”
Page and monarch forth they wentForth they went together
Through the rude wind’s wild lament And the bitter weather.
“Sire, the night is darker now And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how I can go no longer.”
“Mark my footsteps, my good page Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter’s rage Freeze thy blood less coldly.”
In his master’s steps he trod Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor Shall yourselves find blessing.
CAROL OF THE BELLS
Hark, how the bells, sweet, silver bells All seem say, “Throw cares away.”
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer To young and meek and the bold.
“Ding, dong, ding, dong,” that is their
Song with joyful ring, all caroling!One seems to hear words of good cheer
From ev’ry where, filling the air.Oh, how they pound, raising the sound,
Over hill and dale, telling the tale!Gaily they ring, while people sing
Songs of good cheer. Christmas is here.
Merry Merry Merry Merry Christmas,Merry Merry Merry Merry Christmas,
Onward they pound, on without end,
Their joyful tone in every home.Hark how the bells, sweet silver bellsAll seem to say, “Throw cares away.”
Hark, how the bells, sweet, silver bells All seem say, “Throw cares a-way.”
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer To young and meek and the bold.
AWAY IN A MANGER Featuring Michael Johnson on harp
Away in a mangerNo crib for a bed.
The little Lord JesusLaid down his sweet head.The stars in the bright skyLook down where he lay,
The little Lord JesusAsleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowingThe baby awakes,
But little Lord JesusNo crying he makes.
I love Thee Lord JesusLook down from the sky
And stay by my sideUntil morning is nigh.
Bear near me Lord JesusI ask Thee to stay
Close by me foreverAnd love I pray.
Bless all the dear childrenIn Thy tender care
And fit us for HeavenTo live with Thee there.
WINTER WONDERLANDFeaturing accompaniment by Guy and John Lauricella and
solos from Georgia Panayidis and Emma Leatham
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?In the lane, snow is glistening.
A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight,Walking in a winter wonderland.
Gone away is the bluebird,Here to stay, is the new bird.
He sings a love song, as we go along,Walking in a winter wonderland.
In the meadow, we can build a snowman,And pretend that he is Parson Brown.
He’ll say “Are you married?”And we’ll say “No man,But you can do the job When you’re in town.”
Later on, we’ll conspire,As we dream by the fire.
To face unafraid,The plans that we’ve made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
In the meadow, we can build a snowman,And pretend that he is Parson Brown.
He’ll say “Are you married?”And we’ll say “No man,But you can do the job When you’re in town.”
When it snows, ain’t it thrilling?Though your nose gets a chilling.
We’ll frolic and play,The Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
We’ll frolic and play,The Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
O COME ALL YE FA ITHFULperformed by members of the City Life Church
O come all ye faithfulJoyful and triumphant
O come ye, o come ye to BethlehemCome and behold HimBorn the King of angels
O come, let us adore HimO come, let us adore HimO come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Sing choirs of angelsSing in exultation
O sing all ye citizensOf Heaven above
Glory to GodO glory in the highest
O come, let us adore HimO come, let us adore HimO come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Christ the LordYou are the Lord
Yeah Lord, we greet TheeBorn this happy morningJesus to Thee be all glory
Word of the FatherNow in flesh appearing
O come, let us adore HimO come, let us adore HimO come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
You are the LordYou are the Lord
You are the Lord, yeah
We’ll praise Your name foreverWe’ll praise Your name foreverWe’ll praise Your name forever
Christ the Lord
Glory in the highest
We’ll praise Your name foreverWe’ll praise Your name foreverWe’ll praise Your name forever
Christ the Lord
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMASNew lyrics by John Fleming
On the first day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, A feeling of community.
On the second day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Two elastic ear straps.
On the third day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Three missed school terms.
On the fourth day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Four months of lockdown.
On the fifth day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Five nasal swabs.
On the sixth day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Six hand sanitisers.
On the seventh day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Seven closed borders.
On the eighth day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Eight meals a day.
On the ninth day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Nine seasons of Seinfeld.
On the tenth day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Ten o’clock in pyjamas.
On the eleventh day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Eleven types of pasta.
On the twelfth day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Twelve dunny rolls.
J INGLE BELLS
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to rideIn a one-horse open sleigh, hey!
Dashing through the snowIn a one-horse open sleigh
O’er the fields we goLaughing all the way
Bells on bob-tails ringMaking spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing A sleighing song tonight
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS
We wish you a Merry ChristmasWe wish you a Merry Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year.
We wish you joy, we wish you good cheer
We wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year.
Let’s all sing out loud together Let’s all sing out loud together Let’s all sing out loud together
Let everyone hear!
We wish you joy, we wish you good cheer
We wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year.
It has been so nice to see youIt has been so nice to see you It has been so nice to see you
To see you all here!
We wish you joy, we wish you good cheer
We wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year.
We’ll all meet again next Christmas We’ll all meet again next Christmas We’ll all meet again next Christmas
So see you next year.
We wish you joy, we wish you good cheer
We wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year.