Music at Westbourne Parish Church
This month’s music list is here.
Music has played an important part in the worship at Westbourne for many years and we continue that tradition today with a flourishing choir of adults and children. In 2001, the parish made a huge commitment in the commissioning of a substantial new pipe organ by Kenneth Tickell (details here).
Singing at Westbourne
Choir
Our SATB choir consists of nine adults and eleven children, currently aged from six to sixteen. We have a comprehensive choir music library and an anthem is sung at the Parish Communion service together with, at least twice per month, a gradual psalm in the Coverdale translation sung to Anglican chant.
Junior Choir
Singing is an area where children who do not play an instrument can participate fully in a musical activity. We operate an augmented version of the RSCM ‘Voice for Life’ scheme. During the central spoken part of our Parish Communion service, the Junior Choir meets in the choir vestry to study music theory and how what we sing in the choir relates to the church’s seasons and the Christian message. That said, there is absolutely no requirement for Junior Choir members to be ‘religious’ or ‘Christian’: we leave them to make up their own minds about that.
During choir practice choristers are taught how to use their singing voices properly and to learn a broad repertoire of music which spans several centuries. Perhaps most importantly, they are treated as full members of the choir on equal terms with the adults and this is one of the things that makes membership of a church choir unique.
If you have a son or daughter who might like to join us, we suggest that you bring them along to a Monday rehearsal at 5.15pm and we can see how they get on. We don’t do voice tests for children because we believe that most can develop, with our guidance, into capable singers if that is what they want to do.
Adult Choir
We have a complete SATB choir on most Sundays and we are always looking for new singers, particularly altos, tenors and basses. Some music reading ability is essential (e.g. ABRSM Grade 4) and, for sopranos, a range that comfortably includes top A and a quality that will blend with the voices of our young singers.
Choir Practices
Monday
Junior choir 5.30 to 6.30 pm, full choir 6.15pm to 6.30pm, adults 6.15pm to 7pm
Sunday
Full choir 09.00am to 09.15am
For further details please contact our Director of Music, Mr Stewart Taylor on Tel: 023 9258 0672 or by email: stewart.m.taylor@btinternet.com
Music group
Once a month, the informal evening service includes a wide variety of musical styles accompanied by our music group.
If you’re interested in joining the group please contact Karen Doye: karendoye@talktalk.net T 07443 509231
