There is something indefinably special about corporate singing. In some senses it covers a multitude of vocal sins as even the more tone deaf amongst us can be sure that our failures to pitch will not ruin the whole – as long as we get the timing right of course. As different voices come together, male and female, soprano, alto, tenor and bass (and a few in between) corporate singing is about individuals and togetherness. On the sports terrace and in a house competition it is a demonstration of belonging and identity, an indication of spirit and morale. It is, and should be, undeniably fun.
My first experience of Cranleigh was a School at song in the Chapel. It told me everything I needed to know about the spirit of the place. Whilst I should not admit to schadenfreude, especially after a Chapel service, I just managed to hide an impolite outwards show of the pride I felt when a speaker from another well-known public school was so impressed by our singing. He admitted that they could not get their pupils to sing.
The Cranleigh spirit, the pupils’ sense of belonging, loyalty and enthusiasm, enjoyment and pride in what they are doing has been the hallmark of my first weeks. It has been evident on the sports field as teams defend to the last whether winning or losing; in the excellence of support and care for performance in concerts; in the acrobatic falls of actors on stage; in skilful origami from an upper-fifth Young Enterprise group; in partnership with teachers and each other in the classroom; in the friendliness of welcome in the houses; in the reflective appreciation of privilege and a desire to serve the community in Zambia. Cranleigh is a school where the pupils sing in every respect.
As we begin to plan for our 150th anniversary, we will be celebrating our togetherness as a Cranleigh family: pupils, staff, Old Cranleighans, parents, our sister school, Kawama and the latest member of our family, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi. We will be glancing behind at our history and Christian heritage which has given us strength, and forwards and outwards to an exciting future where Cranleigh School will continue to sing. I am sure this generation of Cranleighans will make their mark in the world in good voice.
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