Contents
Committee / Groups
History
Choir:
“A church or a school without a choir is like a body without a soul”
John Rutter – Composer and Conductor
Are you eight or older?
Do you like singing?
Do you like mixing with other people?
WHY NOT JOIN US?
Choir practice is on Fridays 7-8.15pm and choir club follows until 9pm. Contact Sarah Carling
WHAT DO WE DO?
We sing for the Sunday service at 10am
We take part in musical festivals in the Cathedral
We sing in other churches
We work towards ribbons and other awards
We get pocket money for singing at weddings
At Club we play snooker, table tennis, board games, etc and there is a coffee bar.
We have social events such as swimming and bowling
We also have an annual bonfire party and a summer BBQ
St Mary’s choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music. The choristers follow its syllabus “Voice for Life” which enables them to gain various levels of competence denoted by the wearing of the coloured ribbons. Each level gives training in the following areas:
Module A – Using the voice well. For example – posture, breathing, tone and range, diction, style and interpretation, voice care tips, blending with the choir.
Module B – Musical skills and understanding. For example – music theory, sight reading tests, aural tests.
Module C – Repertoire. For example – finding background information, understanding of the genre.
Module D – Belonging to the choir. For example – commitment, punctuality, responsibility.
Module E – Choir in context. For example – Christian ministry and music, regular and special services, festivals, seasons in the Christian year, places of worship.
The modules occur at different levels of difficulty throughout each stage and are examined by the Choir Director. Successful candidates wear the appropriate coloured ribbon:
Level 1 Light blue
Level 2 Dark blue
Level 3 Red
Level 4 Yellow
Choristers’ Awards
The RSCM Chorister Award Scheme has three awards and examinations are held twice a year by an outside group of examiners and are internationally respected.
Deanery Award – This is the RSCM bronze level. Successful candidates are awarded a certificate and a green ribbon bearing the diocesan badge
Diocesan Award – This is the RSCM silver level. Successful candidates are awarded a certificate and a purple ribbon bearing the diocesan badge.
St Cecilia/St Nicholas – This is the RSCM gold level. Successful candidates are awarded a certificate and a red ribbon bearing the arms of the RSCM.
The RSCM believe that these awards should be accompanied by activities dedicated to having fun. To this end the choir enjoy, along with their weekly club, the BBQ, fireworks party and also go bowling.
St Mary's Church Choir 2006
St Mary's Church Choir 2004
St Mary's Church Choir 1919