The Choirs

THE CHOIR OF MEN AND BOYS

Some of the choir at Salisbury in 2009
Photo: Oliver Parker

The most visible part of music making at St James' is the choir. Founded in 1921, the choir has been constantly recognised as one of the leading parish church choirs in the Midlands. This reputation is maintained by the hard work and dedication of the Men and Boys who sing two services each Sunday, and at numerous special occasions throughout the year. The choir leads the congregation in hymn singing and also offers pieces of choral music during the service.

The choir - and indeed everyone at St James the Greater - prides itself in continuing the 500 year-old tradition of English choral music that is part of both the church's and our nation's heritage. Sadly, this tradition is currently in decline and this is one of very few remaining parish church Men and Boys choirs.

There are two Choral Services on most Sundays. The 10.30am Holy Eucharist and the 6.30pm Choral Evensong.

SPECIAL SERVICES

Between December and February, there are four special choral services: the Advent Carol Service, the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, the Epiphany Carol Service and a service for Candlemas. These are always extremely popular and are firm favourites with the congregation and visitors alike.

In addition to this, the choir marks special church festivals, which include a Requiem Mass on All Saints' Sunday, and a special service of music for Passiontide, on the evening of Palm Sunday.

TOURS AND RECORDINGS

The choir usually tours each summer. In the past the choir has visited many cathedrals, including Canterbury, York Minster, Ripon, Edinburgh, Exeter, Portsmouth, Truro, Carlisle, Wells, Birmingham, Chichester, Ely, Lichfield and in July 2009 spent a wonderful week at Salisbury Cathedral. The planned visit for 2010 is Peterborough. The choir has also given concerts while on tour in Germany, France, Switzerland and the USA. The choir has also recorded several CD's and has been heard on local, national and worldwide radio and television.

BEING A CHORISTER

Boys normally join the choir between the ages of 7 and 10. Entry is by invitation, following an audition. All choristers receive training in singing and music theory by a dedicated team of professional musicians. In return for their hard work and dedication, boys are paid a small allowance, which increases with experience, and extra sums are paid for singing at special services, such as weddings. In addition, there are parties and fun trips, and there is the opportunity for the boys to let off some steam after the Friday rehearsal in the Choir Club.

Singing in a choir such as this is about the only activity where boys as young as six can work at and achieve the same standards and at the same time as adults. The lessons learned by such teamwork will remain with them for the rest of their lives. As well as giving an unbeatable musical education, small Musical Scholarships may be made available to suitable candidates.

The is always pleased to hear from anyone interested in joining the choir. Places are available for Boys as well as Gentlemen Singers in the Alto, Tenor and Bass sections.

THE GIRLS' CHOIR

The Girls' Choir

September 2007 saw the formation of the St James Girls' Choir for girls aged between 7 and 14. This is a new venture for the church and promises to be exciting and fun for all involved.

Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings during term time, from 18:00 to 19:30 and take place in the Choir Vestry (above the church hall). The entrance to the church hall can be found at the back of the church, on St James Terrace.

Initially, the Girls' Choir will sing in a number of special services and concerts during the year, including carol services at Christmas and services during Lent and Holy Week.

Like the boys, at the end of each term the girls will be paid a small amount for their work at the church and there are opportunities for trips, days out and other social events.

If you would like more information then please contact the .

THE VOLUNTARY CHOIR

A Voluntary Choir sings at services when the Men and Boys choir are on holiday; these services are generally on the Sundays that occur during half terms and other school holidays. Any singer (male or female) who can read music and attend a rehearsal (usually on the day of the service) is welcome to join the choir.

These events are always rewarding and offer singers from all backgrounds the opportunity to make music to the glory of God.

If you would like more information then please contact the or the .