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St John's has a strong record for using music to support and enhance our worship; visitors often comment on the excellent participation throughout the congregation. As well as the fine organ – new in 2005 – we also use other instruments (including a mini brass band at Epiphany this year), or, sometimes, recorded accompaniment and we're not shy of singing unaccompanied!
The choir leads the music at the 10:30 Sunday mass and at the main Holy Week services and Christmas Midnight Mass. The choir is entirely voluntary – there are no age limits (for joining or leaving!) and no auditions. The variety of music is very broad, including hymns in different styles and a range of other music for choir, including some written or arranged specially for us.
We do not rehearse every week, but get together as necessary, particularly to prepare for Christmas and Easter. Some of us like to sing harmonies, but you don't have to do this and certainly no experience is necessary. To join, all you need to do is walk up the stairs, say "hello" and start singing!
We mostly use the Celebration Hymnal for Sunday masses and are always happy to receive requests for particular hymns (especially if you are celebrating something special) - there is a pad at the back of church for doing this, or you can talk to George.
For an excellent introduction to choral development across the ages and its role in the Church (with samples of the music), take a look at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/singers/learning/choral_timeline.shtml or you could try http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/sacmus/documents/rc_ic_sacmus_sound_en.html
Contact: George Matthews – 020 8773 4913
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