In February/March 2008 we have our annual recruitment campaign for Junior Choir members in school years 3 to 6. If you are interested please contact us to request an application form for a simple audition. Initially it is necessary to be able to pitch a note and to be a good reader!
* * *
St Mary’s is a large Norman Church dating from the eleventh century. It is considered to be theCivic Church of the town and, as such, hosts civic events.St Mary’s has a strong musical tradition.
The Choir has some 40 regular members including a small number who are at university or live elsewhere but join us when they are in Eastbourne. The Choir robes for services.
As well as singing at St Mary’s the Choir sometimes sings in the local community, in hospitals, nursing homes, and at local hotels at Christmas time. Members sing in events organized by the Royal School of Church Music,the Sussex Church Music Foundation and at the Eastbourne and District Church Choirs Association Festival. In 1999 the Choir undertook a week’s singing tour in Switzerland and Northern Italy and Cathedral visits have taken place to Ely, Worcester, Lichfield, Portsmouth, Southwark, St Paul’s and,
in 2006, to Chichester Cathedral.
The Choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music and there are opportunities for choristers to partake in its ‘Voice for Life’ scheme or to prepare for Diocesan awards.
Choir rehearsals - These take place on Thursday evenings, commencing in the Old Parsonage,from 6.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. for junior members and from 7.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. for senior members. In addition the choir is requested to be robed and in attendance 30 minutes before each servicefor a short rehearsal (45 minutes for a fully choral service).Additional rehearsals are called for special occasions such as the Christmas Carol Service.
Services– The main weekly Sunday Services are the Parish Eucharist with Motet at 9.45 a.m. and Prayer Book Evensong at 6.30 p.m. Evensong is fully choral at least once per month and the choir sings a setting of the Canticles and Responses. An anthem is sung at every service. Additional special services include Advent Sunday, Christmas, Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week and Easter, Ascension Day, Corpus Christi, All Saints Day and the Mayor’s Civic Service in May.
The Choir also sings at some weddings and funerals and some of our members help to lead music at the regular Family services, details of which can be found on the main site.
Junior members are paid for each practice or service they attend on a sliding scale in accordance with experience.
It is accepted that attendance has to be balanced with other family and work commitments, though, traditionally, members achieve a high level of attendance throughout the year. We are always happy to discuss the level of commitment with individual singers and would not put off good singers who are unable to make a 100% commitment to the Choir.
Social Events-Members of the choir and their families enjoy an active social life. Events are organized by the Choir Social Committee, sometimes to raise funds.
A Choir Calendar is issued periodically and from time to time details appear on the church web site:
* * *
Vacancies occur in all parts. Children and teenagers are especially welcome. If you are interested in joining or would like further information please contact our Organist and Director of Music, Victor Potter, on 01323 643097or see him in Church after a service for an informal chat!
* * *
Notes for Parents - We seek high standards in music and worship and try to treat rehearsal time in a disciplined yet informal way. Children's training includes basic musical notation and voice development. It is not initially necessary to be able to read music. It is necessary to be able to read the words of hymns and songs, to be able to sing a limited range of notes in tune, to be willing to learn and to make a regular commitment.
Once children have accepted the weekly routine, they find their singing very rewarding, gain in self confidence and develop a sense of Christian values. Choristers generally form a lively social group and make lifetime friends, often remaining to sing in the choir as an adult member or in another choir.
As they progress, opportunities are available to prepare for the Diocesan Deans and Bishops awards or those available via the Royal School of Church Music ‘Voice for Life’ scheme. These provide a foundation to develop advanced musical skills such as might be appropriate to applications for university choral scholarships and awards.
The choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music and members can attend their day and residential courses. Day workshops offered by the Sussex Church Music Foundation are also available.
If your child is interested in joining St Mary’s Choir or you would like further information please telephone our Junior Choir Leader,
Sarah Potter on 01323 643097
or see her in Church after a service
Click here to visit main site - www.stmaryseastbourne.com