St. Mary’s Choir and Orchestra
St Mary’s runs a Christmas Choir. We rehearse during November and December on Wednesday evenings and sing at the Nine Lessons and Carols service the Sunday before Christmas. Recently we have tended to sing four choir items as well leading the congregational carols. The ability to read music is not absolutely necessary as we usually manage to have a practice CD to sing along with at home. Enthusiasm and the willingness to have a go are the prerequisites for joining.
St Mary’s orchestra plays occasionally, for example on festivals such as Mothering Sunday or Easter. Recently instruments played have regularly included flute, clarinet, French horn, trombone, treble recorder and keyboard. We generally accompany four of the congregational hymns. Players need to be around grade 3 to 4 standard and above to cope with the keys of all the hymns.
Numbers swell to around 12 on Christmas Eve when we are joined by both past members and up-and-coming players. We play for the two crib services with a drink and refreshments in between.
Anyone wishing to join the choir or the orchestra should contact Jenny Goulding. We are always delighted to welcome new