Junior Choir

From the February edition of Church News:
We offer Congratulations to Junior Choir members who gained the following awards on 4th December, last year:
James Marsh, Sophie Ollerenshaw and Tom Rowntree for gaining their Surplices.
Lewis Colley and Nicola Prevost, awarded their Light Blue Ribbons and
Rebecca Prevost, awarded the Yellow ribbon, worn by the ‘Most Improved Chorister’.
On the same day Ellie Beare and Alison Lawrence were commissioned as Choral Scholars and made full members of the adult choir.
Finally, we welcome Jake Nash and Evonne Baltrock, previously Head Choristers, into the Tenor & Soprano Lines as from the beginning of January. Many thanks for your contribution to the Junior Choir

The Junior Choir practises on a number of Friday evenings from 6.30 to 8.15pm. Once new members are confident enough they are asked to come on Sundays. They sing on a number of Sundays, but not all, and at some choral evensongs, as shown as 'full choir' in the current choir schedule - see below. The juniors are paid for practices and services.

The choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music and the members work through the ribbon tests to attain seniority, which is reflected in the remuneration that they receive.  Several have gone on to gain the Bishop's Chorister award. We have recently sung at Salisbury Cathedral. [see The Diocese of Chelmsford - Music - Bishops' Chorister Award and The Royal School of Church Music ]

Regular social events are organised for members of the Junior Choir.

If you would like to find out more then please contact Anna Martin on 501927.

Junior Choir News

Evonne Baltrock and Jake Nash have stepped up to become Head Choristers of a growing group of enthusiastic young singers at St Mary’s. Juniors having recently joined are: Tom Rowntree, Sophie Ollerenshaw, Eleanor Game and James Marsh.

Choral Scholarships.

The Choral Scholar scheme is now in operation and Oli King, Director of Music, will be happy to talk with any teenager who is interested in becoming a ‘Choral Scholar’. Young people under 18 years old in full-time education who are members of the Adult Choir may be granted the title of ‘Choral Scholar’

The scholarships will be worth £40 per term, subject to satisfactory commitment and a specified minimum level of attendance. and are open both to choristers moving up from the Junior Choir and to new entrants, and the title will be awarded after a probationary period of three months.

Ellie Harpum, Matthew Jones, Emese Karolyi, Isabel Hare were commissioned as Choral Scholars during the Patronal Festival Service on 11th September after successfully completing their probationary period. Well done to the four! Alison Lawrence and Ellie Beare are now on probation. A special thank you goes to Alison for two years of service a as Head Chorister.