St John's Choir

From the wealth of experience gained at St. John's the choir are able to sing at churches and cathedrals across the country which this year includes Leicester Cathedral, Newcastle Cathedral, Pembroke College Cambridge & York Minster. The choir also travel abroad with recent tours to Amsterdam and Leiden in 2013 and to Venice and St. Mark's Basilica in 2008.

The choir has an enthusiastic and talented treble section, both boys and girls. The choristers are taught by the Director of Music, Mark Hunter, and develop strong vocal skills and musicianship.

Mark also runs a flourishing junior band to accompany the music at the monthly all age service.

More about the Choir.

NEW CHORISTERS WELCOME
St. John's Choir are always pleased to welcome new junior members, both boys and girls, from the age of eight. Previous experience is not required; music tuition and vocal training are provided. Junior choristers are entered for the Royal School of Church Music singing exams and sucessful candidates are awarded medals to wear with their choir robes.

The choral tradition provides a good foundation for other musical interests. The choir has an extensive library of music and performs pieces as diverse as Allegri's 'Miserere' from the 17th Century and Benjamin Britten's 'Ceremony of Carols' from the 20th Century. The wide age range from 8 - 18 means that with the support of the older choristers even the youngest can sing complex music right from the start. Different music is sung each week and choristers develop good sight reading skills. There are concerts each summer and at Christmas, providing an opportunity to perform music outside the choir's normal repertoire.

Membership of the choir is free. The robes are provided, and also a hoodie which is worn for monthly Family Services and on choir trips. Junior members are paid a modest amount for attending practices, services and weddings which increases as they get older.

The children and their families can join the regular choir trips, giving them the opportunity to sing in some fabulous settings, including York Minster, and can also take part in a range of locally based social activities such as firework parties, bowling and beach trips.

Parents of children interested in joining the choir can contact Mark Hunter, the Director of Music, after most services and practices or via email.

The junior practice takes place on Mondays from 6pm - 7.15pm in a dedicated music room in the church hall (The Hub) opposite St. John's.