During the 1950's, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein wrote a hauntingly beautiful song for the show, 'No Strings.' It had the lyrics, 'The sweetest sounds I ever heard are still inside my head.'

However, on Sunday afternoon, February 6, the 'sweetest sounds' emanated from the interior of St. Joseph's Church in Needham, as six youth choirs lifted their voices in song. The occasion was the fourth annual Robert E. Maguire Youth Choir Jamboree and St. Joseph's was this year's host church.

Jamboree 2000 had a distinctly Sacred Heart Roslindale flavor with many local connections. What has now become an annual event, the Jamboree was envisioned by the late Robert E. Maguire, S.J. who served at Sacred Heart for seventeen years. He loved children and music, and conceived the idea of a festival to bring children's choirs together to praise the Lord through song.

Tragically, 'Father Bob' passed away just one month before his dream became a reality. Fittingly enough, the inaugural concert was held at Sacred Heart and as his legacy, the event now bears his name.

The pastor of St. Joseph Church in Needham is former Sacred Heart curate, Msgr. James Haddad. Unfortunately, due to illness, he could not attend the afternoon festivities, but his words of welcome were extended by Rev. John Delaney, parochial vicar at St. Joseph's. Following this, the six participating choirs advanced to the altar to the strains of the traditional African-American spiritual, 'Over My Head.' They took their places as St. Joseph's choir director, Charles Kanelos, attempted to choreograph the appropriate gestures. Although the audience tried valiantly, this activity was best left to the choirs.

The choruses, over 300 voices strong, presented a striking picture, attired either in brightly colored choir robes or uniforms and holding the symbolic banners representing their churches. Appearing first on the program was the choir from St. Mary of the Assumption Church of Dedham. Looking on proudly was St. Mary's pastor, Rev. John A. Dooher. Many of us remember that he served as a deacon at Sacred Heart during his seminary days. Director Dianna Daly and accompanist John Betit led St. Mary's in the hymns, 'Sing and Rejoice with Heart and Voice,' by Jim Clemens and 'Only in God' by John Talbot. They then closed out their repertoire with an energetic spiritual, 'Somebody's Knocking at Your Door.'

Next to appear was a first-time participant, namely the Choir representing St. Andrew the Apostle's School in Forest Hills. They sang the lovely 'The Gift of Love' by Hal Hopson. The choir was conducted by Andrea De Giovanni.

St. Andrew's then joined forces with Sacred Heart's Choir. Its conductor Andrea de Boer and the Sacred Heart Band, featuring Angelo Cappuccio, Paul Cascio, Nick Gangemi, Bill Hart, and Bill Walsh, led the combined choirs in three songs, 'God Never Fails' by George Jordan, the lively traditional spiritual, 'I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me,' which was punctuated by enthusiastic hand-clapping, and finally from the Broadway show, 'Godspell,' 'Save the People' by Stephen Schwartz.

Next were several groups representing St. Theresa of Avila Parish in West Roxbury. The first to appear, the Children's Choir, performed the familiar 'I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy' by George Cooke and 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' by James Johnson. Then, the High School Choir offered 'Amazing Grace' and 'Wings.'

The St. Theresa's choirs are under the direction of Richard Bunbury and are accompanied by Lila Cleary. Mr. Bunbury then stepped forward to announce there would be a brief pause in the program because some of the members of the High School Chorus also perform with the Handbell Ensemble.

By way of explanation, Mr. Bunbury advised the assembly on the special properties of handbells. The ten-member group was located in the choir loft instead of around the altar as were the choruses. Handbells require tables with special padding upon which they are placed to dampen their sound. These tables are quite large and would not fit on the altar, thus necessitating the change of venue.

The ringers work from piano scores and each person is responsible for up to four bells. He earned an appreciative chuckle as he stated that he would know that the bell-ringers were ready when they would hold up their bells. 'Otherwise,' Mr. Bunbury added, 'I'll keep on talking like the clergy do.'

The ensemble performed a piece from the 16th century called 'Twas in the Morn of Wintertime.' The song originated when Jesuit priests were working among Native Americans and was interwoven with some Native American themes.

An instrumental ensemble featuring brass and strings performed 'The Prayer' from the opera 'Hansel and Gretel' by Englebert Humperdinck.

Next to last on the program was the Holy Name Choir of West Roxbury under the baton of Thomas Manguem and accompanied by Edward Broms on piano and Lori Erbes on flute. Their selections were up-tempo and included Paul Inwood's 'Sing with Joy,' 'Rock-A-My Soul,' and an original composition, 'We're Gonna Have a Good Time,' by Mr. Broms.

The host choir, St. Joseph's High Flyin' Angels, concluded the program with the 'Ode to Peace' by Jill Gallina. The choir is under the direction of Charles Kanelos and is accompanied by Mia De Meis. Also featured was an eight-piece instrumental ensemble and Nicole Kanelos as song leader.

Thanks were offered to Sacred Heart's Jamboree coordinator Darlene Webb who was assisted by Maggie Pinkham from St. Joseph's and her staff of parents.

Perhaps the loudest round of applause was given by the kids themselves for 'our parents who drive us to rehearsals, etc.' In continuing with the Roslindale connection, lasting memories of the Jamboree were captured on video by Lee Amendolia of LA productions in Roslindale and still photos were taken by Donna Cabral of Photo Image Plus in Roslindale Village.

All were invited to join in the reception with refreshments held downstairs. As I was leaving afterwards, I heard two people behind me discussing the Jamboree. 'Wasn't this wonderful?' one woman offered. 'Their voices were angelic.' 'Wouldn't Father Maguire have loved this!'

The voice of her companion rendered this verdict: 'I'm sure Father Bob was here. He had the best seat in the house.' I'm sure she was right!