Music

St Michael’s has a strong musical tradition.

Choir

The choir sings weekly on Sunday mornings, monthly for evensong, and at festivals around the Church year. At the 9.30am service the choir leads the hymns and sings a short anthem during communion. Evensong provides an opportunity for wider repertoire.

Choir practice is on Friday evenings 7.45-9.00pm. New members are always welcome. Further details from Director of Music Colin Hamling, Tel: 01727 863453.

Choral Scholars

Choral Scholars make an invaluable contribution to the musical life of St Michael’s. They attend a minimum of three sessions each month, a session being a weekday practice, or Sunday service with practice beforehand, plus special events such as Christmas carol services. The scheme offers participants the opportunities:

to work within a group of musicians;
to become familiar with the musical repertoire of the Anglican Church;
to learn the lower parts (alto, tenor, bass) for those who have previously been treble choristers;
to gain experience relevant to making applications for Choral Scholarships when at university.

Applicants for Choral Scholarships are

in school year 10 or above;
musically literate, but not necessarily with Church music experience

A bursary of £250 per annum is paid. This is sponsored by generous donations from individuals, and a grant from The Williams Church Music Trust. There may be additional paid opportunities for singing or playing instruments at weddings or on other occasions around the year.

Please contact Director of Music Colin Hamling for details on becoming a Scholar or Sponsor.

Organ Scholar

St Michael’s Organ Scholarship supports the training and development of a young person (16 -20 years of age) in the skills of a Church musician. Duties will include playing the organ for all (or part) of at least two services per month, attending associated rehearsals, and conducting the choir (where appropriate). A bursary (currently £200 a term) will be paid which is intended to be used for the purchase of music, attending relevant courses, and subsidising the cost of organ lessons.

Please contact Director of Music Colin Hamling for details.

Organ

St Michael’s has a two-manual Peter Collins Organ (1980). It is available for private practice around the other diary requirements of the church. To enquire about use of the organ please contact Director of Music Colin Hamling.

Concert Hire

St Michael’s and St Mary’s are regular venues for concerts and other events. To enquire about hiring either church, please contact Georgie Ray in the Parish Office (01727 835037).