MUSIC AT ST.MARY’S

St.Mary’s recognises the importance of music as a support for worship and as a form of worship in itself. From time to time it promotes musical events using musicians and groups of good standing.

It also supports a main choir and other musical groups.

The Choir

Organist — Malcolm Perry B.A. F.R.C.O.
Choirmaster Gerald Warr B.A. A.K.C.

The choir is very active and has 22 members. It sings most regular Sunday services and participates in the activities of the Royal School of Church Music at Diocesan, regional and national levels. It sometimes sings in other churches. Its repertoire is varied in content and style.

Choir training follows the RSCM Voice for Life programme leading to Dean's and Bishop's awards, for both children and adults. It includes participation in training workshops according to what is available. Four members of the choir are currently members of the Northern Cathedral Singers and several have the Dean‘s or Bishop's Award. There is one regular weekly rehearsal on Friday evenings.

There is also a pool of children and young people who act as reserves mainly for weddings. They are invited to join the main choir for certain special services.

The choir is anxious to recruit more singers especially in the lower parts. The main requirement after singing in tune, is being keen to learn.

The men's and ladies’ singing groups.

Once each month, a group of men, usually about twelve in number, sings an evening service in unison. The group consists of men from the congregation, most of whom would not be available for the main choir because of other commitments within the church.

A similar group of ladies sings evensong from time to time.

The Music Group. 

This is a small group of instrumentalists who play for one regular service each month and on other occasions as required.

Contact.

The choir can be contacted through the vicar or directly to Gerald Warr
(Tel.:0l5l 334 1162) or e-mail (gerald.warr@ntlworld.com)