St. Philip's has a mixed robed choir consisting
of 17 members ranging in ages between 7 and 70.
The choir is affiliated to the Royal School of
Church Music, and several of the members have participated
in the Awards Scheme, and have gained a great deal of confidence
and valuable practical musical knowledge in doing so.
Most of the choir are very committed to the church,
and some act as P.C.C. members, and support each other and the church
in many different ways.
The choir's main role is to lead and enhance the
weekly Sunday worship, and at major church festivals. Occasionally,
they join with other choirs for special services or participate
in special choir events.
There is a weekly choir practice on Friday evenings
at church between 7pm-8.15pm, to rehearse the music for the forthcoming
services, and any prospective choir member would be very welcome.
There are no auditions as such, and the aim of the choir is for
anyone to develop the gifts and ability God has given, by singing
as a group. Everyone's contribution is important and valued, and
each person helps another by their presence and efforts.
The music sung, (mainly with organ accompaniment)
consists of a wide range of styles and periods, ranging from Tudor
church music to contemporary worship songs and anthems. Various
Eucharist service settings are sung at the main Sunday service,
the 10am Mass and an anthem, and there is a Choral Evensong on the
last Sunday of the month at 6.30pm.
Anyone interested in considering joining the choir,
should come along at 7pm. one Friday evening, when they would be
very welcome.
Margaret Eades. B.Mus., A.R.C.O. (Director of
Music)
