The song they chose was the official theme song of the Rugby World Cup first recorded in 1991 that was arranged for the choir by Deshan Cooray several years ago. It is also very close to the hearts of the choristers, since most of them grew up singing the

members to sing their harmonies and send in videos was not an easy task, let alone putting them all together. But, the OJC had a committed team working behind the scenes to ensure that operations ran smoothly and of course, remotely.

This meant numerous calls to different parts of the world, convincing the shy guys among them to send in videos, keeping track of all choristers involved, and constant edits. The list seemed endless, but they persevered because they simply wanted to sing their hearts out, together.

The organising team had an interesting plan to make things work. This involved Geethika Cooray, one of the choir’s choral directors, recording a video of himself conducting all four parts separately. These were then sent to the whole choir.

As the videos came in, the next step was to mix and engineer the complicated audio, which was handled by Denham Hakel. His work was brought to life through the carefully crafted set of visuals by Chamara Perera who handled the video production.

The rest of the team included Rehan Almeida, Shanaka Cooray, Dino Corea, Russel Valentine, Ashen Samarajeewa and Jeremy Valencia, who helped conceptualise the project – their vision took it to the next level.

Given the unpredictable nature of the new normal/post corona world, there’s a chance the choir may not be able to meet up for a while. But, they would like to keep singing, wherever they are and whatever the situation they may be in.

The choir’s other videos include, ‘And can it be’ by Dan Forrest, Tribute in remembrance for all Easter Attack victims and the Game of Thrones theme song.

The tie that binds the Old Joes Choir together, apart from the music is the brotherhood and camaraderie they share.

Many of them have been singing with each other since their schooldays. And though there are past choir leaders and prefects, among them, at the end of the day, everyone is equal - just there to have fun singing.

Whenever they catch up through virtual platforms like WhatsApp, there is a sense of nostalgia for the simple, fun schooldays they shared. In lockdown, things are still kept alive with shared jokes and wise cracks aplenty.

They believe that it is this sense of unity that has made them successful as a choir over the years. They are humbled and overwhelmed by the warm sentiments that have been shared and hope everyone will continue to help spread the message by sharing the video and staying united during this time.

“This is us having fun, and a stress-buster for each of us. To be able to combine that with a cause common to every citizen of the world, has been an opportunity that we cherish and have not taken for granted,” they say.

The video can be accessed on - https:// www. youtube. com/ watch?v=sl5pO8383Ik

For more information on the choir check out their facebook page onhttps:// www.facebook.com/theoldjoeschoir

And Instagram on - https://www. instagram.com/theoldjoesc/