Choir

What sort of Choir are we?

We are a small, friendly, non-auditioned, unrobed, gathered SATB choir. Affiliated to the RSCM.

When/Where do we rehearse?

In our Parish Centre at 8p.m. on Mondays.

What musical instrument is used?

A Yamaha P60 with weighted action keyboard giving both piano, organ and other sounds. Piano used in church.

Who leads?

We have an administration person, but rehearsals are run by a trained musician friend. We are pretty democratic in music choice and decision-making.

What do we sing?

All sorts !

Really the answer is that we like to have a varied repertoire. We all have Hymns Old and New, which is our basic church hymn book. We supplement this with the OUP New Church Anthem Book and various Carols for Choirs books, plus works from a photocopiable RSCM resource book and the Sunday to Sunday publication. Some of our members have sung in Christian worship musicals, so we sometimes use those books too. Our range is from fairly elevated (Mozart’s Ave Verum) to the more popular; we have even been known to sing secular songs for the Harvest Supper!!! In 2005 we did a medley of Second World War favourites. Choir members often suggest things they have heard or sung and we try to accommodate these if copyright and our budget allow.

We also sing at other choral events as they arise. e.g. some people sang the Faure Requiem with the Really Big Chorus in the Albert Hall and in 2005 we took part in the Thamesside Deaneries Choirs Festival – a full blown sung evensong.

Do we ever socialise?

We usually celebrate our birthdays on rehearsal nights and have a choir meal out from time to time. We are very sociable and have a lot of fun whilst working hard.

How do I join?

Just come along on a Monday at 8 p.m. or ring 0118 978 8071.