The robed choir was founded over 100 years ago,
and has maintained a high musical
standard since then. Originally a choir of boys
and men, occasionally augmented by
ladies, a girls' choir was formed in 1978, and
this was quickly incorporated into the
full choir. The choir is affiliated to the Royal
School of Church Music. Currently the choir
consists of two basses, two tenors, two contraltos
and several adult sopranos. The Junior section
is currently being re-formed, having reached
an all-time low in numbers.
The full choir sings a wide range of styles of
music, and newcomers may
well find that this is hard work at first. The
hour between 6.30 and 7.30
on Mondays is, however, aimed more at training
the younger children than
working hard on the music in preparation, and
new beginners should enjoy
this session. There is usually a five-minute break
around 7.15 for a run-
around (in the church's gallery room) sometimes
with orange juice. Children
aged between 8 and 12 who would like to find out
more about our team are
welcome to come along to this first hour's session
on any Monday evening, but check with the choirmaster
first - with low numbers currently this first
hour does not always run. The adult members of
the choir join the juniors at 7.30pm, and the
practice ends some time after 8.30.
The only qualifications needed for entry are (a)
an ability to read words
reasonably fluently, and (b) a willingness to
join in and learn. We will teach
the music and singing.
Sunday duties include a practice at 10.00am before
the service at 11.00.
This ends around 12.00. Evensong tends usually
to be attended only by
the adult members except for around 5 or 6 occasions
during the year
when we request a full choir, and we sing specially
prepared music. Other
midweek services are rare, one important occasion
being 7.30 on Good Friday.
The choir also currently has vacancies for adult
singers in all sections.
The musical programme demands for the adults a
fair competence at
sight-reading, and a voice that will blend well.
For further details, please don't hesitate to
contact the choirmaster, Dr. Geoffrey Lockwood,
5 Sheffield Road,
New Mill, Huddersfield HD7 7EL
Joining the choir gives children many opportunities,
including:
learning to read music
learning to sing properly. This is especially
helpful to
children learning to play instruments. We
also encourage children to play their instruments
in church from time to time.
learning to work as part of a team - choir
singing requires disciplined teamwork.
Choir outings from time to time. (e.g. in
the past we
have visited Flamingoland, Alton Towers, Lightwater
Valley, Blackpool, uperbowl, Metrodome, etc.
etc.)