Music

Singing is an excellent way to learn to read music. Being a member of a choir teaches self-discipline, good time keeping skills and increases self-confidence. Experience the thrill of singing great music in four-part harmony, and learn a skill for life.

Training

The training given at St Lawrence Church Choir follows the RSCM Voice for Life scheme. Here choristers work through a structured plan of personal and musical goals to help them achieve their potential.

Achievement

RSCM medals are awarded on coloured ribbons, each colour denoting the standard reached, including the externally examined Dean’s, Bishop’s and Gold Awards. These are worn in church services, and at external RSCM events. The experience gained by being part of the choir has been shown to increase academic achievement and has led to successes in gaining Music and Choral Scholarships to prestigious schools and Universities, including St Mary’s School, Ascot; Durham University and Exeter University. Choristers at St Lawrence’s have also been chosen to be Head Choristers of their school chapel choirs and following successful audition been invited to sing with the prestigious Millennium Youth Choir.

Friendship and teamwork

Make new friends and enjoy being part of a team. Once sufficient experience has been gained and regular attendance demonstrated, choristers may be offered a position of responsibility, such as Librarian, St Lawrence Chorister or Head Chorister.

Big Occasions

As well as singing at major services such as Nine Lessons and Carols and Weddings, members of the choir enjoy participating in RSCM events, and have had the pleasure of singing in Llandaff Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral, Tewkesbury Abbey and Bath Abbey. In May 2006 we enjoyed a tour to our twin town, La Chapelle-des-Fougeretz, France, where we received a very warm welcome from our hosts. The acoustic for our concert was fantastic in their beautiful Church. The hospitality was superb and we were given a guided tour of the historic town.

Cathedral Visits

During August 2011 and August 2010 the choir enjoyed singing services in the wonderful acoustic of Llandaff Cathedral, accompanied by their fantastic new Nicholson organ. The choir also sang Choral Evensong in Gloucester Cathedral on 15th June 2014.

Broadcasts

Members of the choir joined with other choirs in the area to record two programmes of Songs of Praise from Cheltenham in November 2011 and took part in a broadcast of Songs of Praise from Cirencester Parish Church in September 2004. Choristers have also taken part in broadcasts of Choral evensong on BBC Radio 3 whilst on the Eton Choral Course in 2006, with the Millennium Youth Choir in Gloucester Cathedral in 2014. BBC Radio 4 Sunday worship was performed by singers at the RSCM Bath Residential Course 2009. The Choir Director regular sings for the BBC Radio Four Daily Service broadcasts.

Activities

Apart from singing, the choir also take part in other activities together, such as the choir BBQ, bowling, tubing, dry slope skiing or going to the theatre.

Reward

In return for regular attendance, under 18’s receive a small amount of pocket money according to their level of experience and position of responsibility.

When does the choir rehearse?

Friday evenings from 6.45pm to 7.45pm in the Church, with an additional training session for under 18’s before the main rehearsal starting at 6.15pm.

When does the choir sing?

Generally the choir sings for 10am Parish Communion and 6pm Choral Evensong services on the 1st and 4th Sundays of the month, for 6pm Holy Communion Service on 2nd Sunday of the month and 6pm Choral Evensong on 3rd Sunday of the month. We also sing at other special services, weddings and memorial services throughout the year. A minimum of 50% attendance is expected in order for choristers to participate in the Voice for Life Scheme and benefit fully from the training provided.

What else does the choir offer?

Attendance at a variety of non-residential and residential courses, including Bath and Eton. It is sometimes possible for a chorister to have organ lessons at St Lawrence Church.

Do I need any previous experience?

Musical experience is an advantage but not a necessity for under 18’s when joining the choir. Full training will be given. We only ask for enthusiasm and commitment! For adult choir members a basic sight-reading ability is preferred due to the large volume of music we cover.

Does it matter what school my child comes from?

No. Choristers are drawn from a variety of schools in the area, including St Lawrence Primary School, Fairford Primary School, Southrop Primary School, Hatherop Primary School,  Hatherop Castle School, Farmors School, Burford School, The Cotswold School and Pate’s Grammar School.

Will my child be safe at St Lawrence?

Yes. At all rehearsals there will be at least two adults present. We hope that some parents will be able to help out on an occasional basis. There is also adequate supervision at choir social activities, tours and visits to other churches. The choir is run under the Church of England’s Safe and Sound guidelines, and all adult members of the choir are CRB checked.

How do I join?

Please contact the Director of Music, Rachel Bath on 01367 253893 for further information.