A SCHOOL choir was able to reunite for the first time in months for a recording session to mark the end of the year.

The chapel choir at Queen Mary’s, at Topcliffe, near Thirsk, took part in the socially distanced recording session for the school’s online speech day.

Head of music Sarah Holloway-Lloyd said: “It was very emotional to hear live music again and reminded us all how much we have missed the sound of our choir.”

They had been due to sing at Ripon Concerts but instead had to perform a virtual rendition of Deep Peace.

She added: “It has been difficult but we have kept the music going at Queen Mary’s through lockdown.

“We were sad not to be playing for Ripon Concerts this year.

“Many of our pupils have had their lessons online with our instrumental staff during lockdown and we have managed to keep music alive. Even year four orchestra and year three recorder has been surprisingly successful.”

Music assistant Lily Dumain has been supervising music practice over the internet from her home in Spain.

Pupils have also taken part in two Youtube lockdown concerts for the end of term, containing videos of the girls performing at home.