This year Muirfield Primary School will be joining the choir, singing the ever-popular 'I'm Walking in the Air' from The Snowman and 'Come and Join the Celebration'. They will also sing with the choir in an arrangement of 'The Lord Is My Shepherd' by Howard Goodall - also recognisable as the theme tune for 'The Vicar of Dibley'!

The soloist this year is percussionist, Derek McDonald-Lee (pictured). This is not Derek's first outing with the choral as he has played before as part of the orchestra. However, it is his debut as a soloist with the choir.

Derek has studied percussion since 2003 under the guidance of Paul Judge, percussion instructor in Angus schools. He plays with both Arbroath Instrumental and Carnoustie and District Youth Brass bands under the leadership of Mike Robertson.

Derek has also played with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland for three years and this summer was appointed principal percussionist. At the Arbroath Music Festival in 2008 Derek gained an Honours Diploma.

In September 2008 Derek and Paul Judge participated in a master class with Evelyn Glennie at the Brechin Arts Festival. He will play both the xylophone and marimba.

The choir will be singing a wide range of music, both traditional and modern, and have an especially effective arrangement of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'. The final piece is a very reflective one with a wish for the audience. As usual there will be audience participation in the carols - one set to an unexpected but well known tune. In addition one piece for everyone has the intriguing title of 'Drumkit'.

The Choral Society is looking forward to singing again in the newly refurbished St Andrew's Church where they will have ample room on an extended platform area. They also feel fortunate to have Jane Miller as musical director and Alison Hart as accompanist.

Tickets for this year's concert are £5 for adults and £2 for children and can be bought from any member of the society.