Choir

St Mary’s Choirs are always looking for new members to swell the ranks, both trebles (children’s) and adult voices. Singing experience is desirable, although not essential.

For many years St Mary’s has enjoyed a long musical tradition that has enhanced church services and given inspiration to all who have worshipped here. In a very literal sense, generations of singers and other musicians have not only received support and encouragement for their music making, but in many cases have gone on to use this experience as a springboard for a lifetime of musical fulfilment.

It is our objective to maintain and develop this established heritage and preserve it for those who will follow.

Our repertoire ranges from plainsong to music by Tudor composers through to contemporary motets.

What musical activities take place?

St Mary’s reflects the broad Anglican choral repertoire within a traditional liturgy and maintains a choir of trebles and adult voices. This choir sings at the two main services on Sundays: the 9.30 am Parish Eucharist and Choral Evensong at 6.30pm. At every service we sing an anthem or motet.

For trebles choir rehearals there is always a second adult who has been DBS checked alongside the Director of Music in attendance, to assist with safety and supervision.

Choral Scholarships

We have recently restarted our choral scholarship scheme for student/sixth form singers. An excellent opportunity to improve singing and music reading skills, with bursary each term. There are currently opportunities for two tenors and two basses. For more information or to apply contact us at music@stmarysbeddington.org.uk

What does trebles choir membership involve?

Primarily it requires a passion for music, dedication and commitment, as well as the inherent qualities of enthusiasm and the ability to sing well. Life as a treble chorister usually begins at around the age of 8 when they are introduced to the choir routine and begin to learn new repertoire. After this has been successfully established they are expected to commence the normal attendance timetable of Weekly evening practice and two Sunday services. We operate the RSCM badge system.

During the summer months and school holidays a ‘scratch’ choir operates, open to all.

Rehearsals:

Trebles: 6 – 7.30 pm Wednesday
Adults: 7.30 – 9.00 pm Wednesday

Sunday services
Parish Eucharist, including practice, 8.50 – 10.45am
Evensong, including practice, 5.30 – 7.30pm

To find out more about St Mary’s Choirs contact us at: music@stmarysbeddington.org.uk

The Organs at St Mary’s

Our fine Lewis Organ housed in a case by the workshop of William Morris was overhauled by Willis in the 1990s and is currently in the care of Harrisons of Durham. The PCC are budgeting for its next overhaul some time in the next decade.

The Chamber organ, and a smaller keyboard situated in the North Aisle were gifts to the Parish.