Poole students and young adults with disabilities sang, signed and danced on Joy oh Joy in Dorchester, a song Graham Kendrick wrote for Shaftesbury.
Students from a Poole school and college for young people with disabilities have recorded a new song at a Dorchester studio, written for their charity by the songwriter Graham Kendrick.
The song is called Joy oh Joy. Students from Shaftesbury Victoria School in Poole and nearby Shaftesbury Millie College recorded their part at Echotown Studio in Dorchester, joined by staff and by young adults who live at Shaftesbury Horizons, a residential service in Poole. The national charity Shaftesbury, which runs all three, launched the finished track and video this week.
Everyone took part in the way that suited them, the charity says: singing, signing, dancing or playing percussion. For most of the Dorset group it was the first time they had been inside a professional recording studio.
Watch the finished song
Groups in London, Gateshead and Essex recorded their own vocals too, and the charity edited all four sessions into one track and video.
“It was fun going to the studio”
James, 32, lives at Shaftesbury Horizons. He rehearsed the song every day for a week before the session.
“I really enjoyed practicing the song with staff,” James says. “It was fun going to the studio and I liked singing with some of my friends and support workers.”
Alisha, 18, is a student and sings one of the verses as a soloist.
“Being chosen to go and sing in a professional studio is something I won’t forget,” she says. “I loved the experience, seeing all the equipment and looking at how things work was amazing. I’ve been singing since a young age, I love it because I’m able to express myself.”
The charity says the Dorset group found the day uplifting, and were excited to be part of something reaching beyond their own community.
Why Graham Kendrick wrote it
Kendrick is best known for Christian worship songs; Shine Jesus Shine is one of his. He wrote the words and music of Joy oh Joy for the charity, which describes itself as a national Christian charity supporting children and adults with disabilities. His aim, he says, was “to write a catchy song expressing the spirit of Shaftesbury.”
The idea came from the man the charity is named after. Its work goes back to 1844 and the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, the social reformer.
“Among the stories of Lord Shaftsbury’s extraordinary life, I was moved by how he would often host joyful feasts for those he campaigned for,” Kendrick says. “This inspired me to write Joy oh Joy in his honour, and to celebrate the amazing work of Shaftsbury that continues to the present day.”
The version Dorset sang on belongs to the charity. Kendrick’s own recording of Joy oh Joy comes out in 2027.
Pam Rhodes sings on it too
The broadcaster Pam Rhodes, the longest-serving presenter of the BBC’s Songs of Praise and a vice-president of Shaftesbury, is on the charity’s recording. The charity says she played a big part in getting the song written.
“The way in which this project has brought together so many people to sing out in joy has been so exciting!” she says. “Graham’s song touches hearts and souls with words that inspire. The catchy melody means I’ve found myself humming it for hours after I’ve heard it.”
Sally Chivers, the charity’s chief executive, says: “It’s thrilling that a songwriter of Graham’s calibre has been inspired to write this song, the lyrics of which speak volumes and amplify our message. We certainly intend to turn up the volume to inspire more people to get involved with our work and support us in whatever way they can. It is an example of how we are all together better for disability.”
What it means for you
- Hear it: the song is on Shaftesbury’s YouTube channel and on the charity’s website and social media.
- Get involved: Shaftesbury says it supports more than 4,000 children, young people and adults with disabilities a year, and wants the song to bring in more supporters. Ways to help are on shaftesburygroup.org.
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