The Choirs

The internationally renowned Glenmuir High School Choir (GHSC) has been one of the leading high school choirs in the island for decades. Having copped countless trophies at the JCDC Music Festival, to being handed the keys to the city of Cincinnati, the GHSC, under the current leadership of musical guru, Mr. Andre Taylor, continues to make strides.

Founded in 1958, by Mrs. D.V. Brown, the then dubbed “Glenmuir High School Concert Choir”, performed from the repertoire of mainly Negro-Spirituals and Classical pieces. In the 70’s Mr. J. Leo Whyte, a talented music teacher, assumed leadership of the choir and subsequently introduced hymns, folk songs and madrigals to the repertoire. He, of course, stayed true to the much-loved Classical pieces, especially Latin pieces that the students performed effortlessly. Under his spirited leadership, the choir performed in Cincinnati, Germany, Austria and England.

In 1998, Mrs. Marjorie Henry saw it fit to create the “Glenmuir High School Festival Choir”, as she was determined not to let the festival tradition of the choir waste away. For consecutive years, the festival choir topped the JCDC and was a force to be reckoned with. Apart from performing at events such as the Prime Minister’s Youth Awards, they were invited to perform in Vermont, USA as part of a cultural exchange programme, and then in Bahamas as part of their fundraising exercise, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan.

Both choirs continued to make waves nationally and internationally when tragedy struck. The death of J. Leo Whyte, coupled with the retirement of Mrs. Henry rocked the core of both choirs. It was then that Mrs. Dorine O’Connor assumed leadership of both choirs. Now combined, the infamous ‘Glenmuir High School Choir’ was birthed. This choir kept both repertoires alive and was soon known for its dramatic and theatrical pieces, including their annual production, “Ajoyo”. They were also blessed to have been led by alumni Joel Edwards, arranger and gifted musician, as well as Mark Bradford, talented vocalist and musician.

For a brief spell, absent a musical director, the choir was self-led by the persistent and capable student leaders, who taught choreography and vocals to the junior members. Despite the absence of a musical director, the quality of their performances never waned. After some time, Mr. Everton Clarke, musician extraordinaire, assumed leadership of the choir for a few years.

In August of 2021, the choir has since been rebirthed, with new voices and many fresh faces. The Glenmuir High School Choir has since arisen from the ashes of online school and, with the passion being injected by the dedicated and determined Andre Taylor, they continue to produce top tier performances. It is safe to say that the future of this talented group of youngsters remains bright.