James Cassarino never set out to write a new school song.
“Seek Ye First” and “St. Patrick’s Breastplate” are hymns that are held in such high regard in the Christ School community that they will never be replaced.
But Mr. Cassarino, now in his third year as Director of Music, Chair of the Fine Arts Department, and Choirmaster/Organist, did think it would be neat if the school had its first-ever alma mater to be sung at appropriate times.
The words to “Sing to Thee, Christ School Eternal” were written by Mr. Cassarino and his wife, Elise, and set to the music of “Calon Lan,” a Welsh song from the 1800s. Once the composition was complete, it was approved by Christ School’s Board of Trustees and Head of School Dr. Sean Jenkins.
“Sing to Thee, Christ School Eternal” was performed publicly for the first time Thursday in Chapel, first by Choir members, and then by all students and faculty with a provided lyric sheet.
The lyrics are as follows:
Here amid the Blue Ridge Mountains, Christ School stands forever strong
Built by hands through toil and labor, grew this place where we belong
Sing to thee, Christ School eternal, we are Greenies strong and true
Linking arms, we lift each other, faithful brothers through and through.
As our minds are filled with knowledge, and our hearts with wonder, too
Faith and service to each other, Christ School stands forever true
Sing to thee, Christ School eternal, we are Greenies strong and true
Linking arms, we lift each other, faithful brothers through and through.
All our friends we grew to love here, all the ways of work and play
We will keep alive in memory as we journey on our way
Sing to thee, Christ School eternal, we are Greenies strong and true
Linking arms, we lift each other, faithful brothers through and through.
Mr. Cassarino came to Christ School in 2019 following a 20-year tenure as Professor of Music and Music Department Chair at Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont.