St Mary's Choirs

St.Mary's is fortunate indeed to have not one but two choirs. The Saturday choir sings at the Vigil Mass and the Sunday Choir at the Sunday Parish Mass. In total there are 32 members, some of whom are enthusiastic enough to sing at both Masses. Our purpose:

- To sing at either the Saturday or Sunday Masses, Holydays and Festivals and special services.
- To enable the assembly to sing more enjoyably and effectively in the praise of God.
- To enhance the liturgy with song.
- To make an offering of music to God.
- To enjoy learning a wide variety of music.
- To work at improving an enjoyable skill.

We are very worthwhile groups, friendly and purposeful. See Andrew, our Director of Music, about joining after Mass. We sing all sorts of music from the tremendously varied traditions of Christianity, from the late Roman Empire 'Christus Vincit' to Palestrina and from the Victorians to the worship songs of Graham Kendrick. There is a weekly anthem or motet or psalm setting or chant as the Communion Song and different settings of the Mass.

Our Organ

By 2006 our pipe organ was becoming unusable and we decided to embrace the digital age and install a new three manual organ by Viscount with a CM100 expander box. This gives our organist access to the complete organ repertoire through time and country and forms a splendid basis for accompanying the congregation and choir and for improvisation during the services. While there is a magnificent English 'full Swell' the Great and Positive organs tend more towards a continental feel and there is a floating solo section playable from both Swell and Positive manuals. The compromise is very effective!

The Instrumental Groups

The Music Group plays before the Childrens' Mass. About 8 in number they bring a lighter feel to the Sunday morning worship with performances of hymns and worship songs with flute, keyboard, melodica and folk and bass guitars.

The Classical Guitar Trio play at quieter Masses where a more reflective atmosphere is encouraged. We have a wide repertoire including 18th to 20th century artworks and more modern folksongs to enhance the worship.

The Childrens' Liturgy Percussion Band ends the Childrens' Masses with mighty performances of a worship song with choir, congregation and organ! And bring an effective and high spirited end to the worship.

The Gregorian Schola

Formed on an occasional basis for the Extraordinary form of Missa Cantata. We are even able to sing a full Latin Requiem Mass if needed.

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