St Mary's Choir
Director of Music: Alan Childs GRSM (Hons); LRAM; ARCO
As well as leading the congregation and singing anthems at the 9.35am and 6.30pm services most Sundays (and at occasional 11.15am services), the Choir sings Choral Evensong regularly, gives recitals, and takes part in festivals in other churches and cathedrals, occasionally going abroad. The children also sing at weddings on some Saturdays, mainly between April and October.
The Choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music and operates the RSCM 'Voice for Life' Training Scheme. RSCM training courses are available for children and adults at various times of the year, the cost of which is subsidised.
Joining our Choir
There are vacancies for boys and girls aged 7-11 who enjoy singing and occasional vacancies for adults.
Boys and girls have the opportunity to:
· Have a free musical education with a graded medal scheme
· Sing some of the finest church music
· Learn about being a Christian
· Develop alertness and self-confidence
· Make new friends and be part of a team
· Attend subsidised residential training courses
· Sing in some of England's finest cathedrals, churches and chapels
· Play the organ
· Join in our social activities including football, ten-pin bowling and barbeques
A number of our Choristers have sung at national events as part of the RSCM Voices (formerly Southern Cathedral Singers) and the RSCM Millennium Youth Choir. Some have gone on to places in cathedral choirs and others have secured organ scholarships to university colleges.
Girls rehearsals are held on Tuesdays from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and Fridays, prior to the Sunday they are singing from 6.45pm to 8.15pm.
Boys rehearsals are held on Tuesdays from 6.45pm to 7.30pm and Fridays, prior to the Sunday they are singing from 6.45pm to 8.15pm.
The adults rehearse on Friday evenings only from 7.15pm to 8.45pm.
There is also additional training available at various times of the year for the graded medal scheme.
Boys and girls do not need to belong to church-going families. The main requirement is an enthusiasm for singing and to want to develop this talent to a high standard in a church context.
Parents of children who are interested in joining the choir and any adults who would like more details of membership should contact Alan Childs the Director of Music via church house, or see him at the close of any service.
