Music-making at St Mary's

If making music is something that you love to do, we have a thriving musical community based at Church waiting for you! Apart from our robed Church Choir, Community Choir and Community Orchestra there are very often other opportunities to make music (and friends) whatever your ability, age or skill level. For younger children and teens, The Panthers meet during term-time after school and can opt for ensemble playing or singing. We believe that everyone who joins in has something to offer and we equally value every contribution - however great or small. For more info get in touch with the Director of Music 07411 825230

The Church Choir

Our SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) robed choir have a long tradition of singing weekly for services. Weekly rehearsals take place before the main service. Generally, there is a sung eucharist, hymns to sing and there may also be a psalm or an anthem. New members are most welcome. For more information, please get in touch with the Director of Music.

Church Choir Music Sharing Project

Our church choir are a committed group of singers but inevitably can’t make every service. As we have a short rehearsal time on a Sunday morning before the service starts, we sometimes find we need something appropriate, quick and easy to sing! Inspired by that, Beverley (a member of the choir) and Annette (our Director of Music) teamed up to write 12 pieces of music that cover much of the liturgical year. The music is mostly unison or two-parts while the accompaniment is suitable for organ (with or without pedals – you can add at your discretion) or piano/keyboard. The pieces range from a simple chant to verses.You are welcome to download and share the music, either the whole collection, or individual pieces: please click on this link – Church Choir Music Sharing Project

Watch the choir sing each number on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stmarysparishchurchchoir

 

The Community Orchestra

It’s musically everything from A-Z! We have woodwind, strings, brass, rhythm instruments and most probably a set of spoons somewhere. We like to tackle most things with a good tune regardless of genre. So, yes you get to play some classical, but add to that popular, jazzy, show tunes and novelty numbers of yesteryear.

We give regular concerts and sometimes team up with our Community Choir.

The Community Orchestra meet most Saturdays (not August) from 10am-11.30.

The Community Choir

Singing is a gift that’s good to share. If you would like to join our choir, we can offer a safe and happy environment for the shy singer, or plenty of opportunities to express yourself for the more experienced one. We work hard but promise you a warm welcome, fun and laughter. We have a go at most things on the lighter side from pops, traditional, show-tunes to classics and occasionally we offer the more unusual!

The Community Choir meet most Fridays (not August) from 5pm-6.15pm

 

The Panthers

A group for our younger musicians and meet after school during term time on a Monday. There are opportunities to make friends, play your instrument or sing. The group is run by Peter Lovatt and Isobel Harvey. For more info contact peter.lovatt357@gmail.com or whatsapp 07400 196044

Green Lane School Choir

The choir meet during their morning break at school. They enjoy a variety of singing and often sing for school services when they are held at the church.

Our organ and other instruments

A musical “beating heart” for many a service is our three manual Copeman Hart Digital Organ. Installed in 2007 it’s a fantastic example of its kind. With 57 speaking stops it’s a flexible and impressive instrument.

When appropriate we use a variety of small instrumental ensembles or soloists for Sunday worship service.

Got any questions about the Community Choir (CC) or Community Orchestra (CO)? Read on or get in touch:

When and where do you rehearse?

CC – Most Friday evenings 5pm-6pm in the Church.

CO – Most Saturday mornings 10am-11.15am in the Church.

Do I need to read music?

CC – No. Some of our members do, some don’t.

CO – Yes, but we welcome beginners and can give you music suited to your level.

I’m not very confident, should I wait until I get more ‘polished’?

CC/CO – No, you might as well get stuck in – there is plenty of help to hand.

I don’t go to church, is that a problem?

CC/CO – Not at all, you are equally welcome.

What standard do I need to be?

CC – You just have to enjoy singing and be willing to give it a go, that’s enough.
CO – Any standard from beginner, rusty returner to experienced.

Are there any performance opportunities?

CC/CO – We give occasional concerts, usually to raise funds for the work of the Church.
We may also be invited to contribute to special services in the Church Year, for example a Carol Service.

What do I need to bring to rehearsals?

CC – Just bring yourself and any songs sheets we hand out.
CO – A music stand (if you have one), your instrument of course, and any music we hand out.

What about age limits?

CC/CO – Youngsters are most welcome but please get in touch first.

Can I join the choir and the orchestra?

CC/CO – Yes. Some of our members are in both.

Get in touch

We hope some of your questions may have been answered. Please get in touch or just turn up and meet us.
You can contact the Director of Music by email or mobile 07411 825230.