Being a member of St Anne’s Choristers offers children the opportunity to learn a variety of skills including singing, reading and understanding music as well as communication and teamwork. Working with our Director, Elin Heron and accompanist Tom Corfield, choristers receive musical training from experienced musicians. Training includes music theory, aural training, vocal coaching and performance skills.
St Anne’s has a strong tradition of choral music with a regular Sunday choir and the St Anne’s Singers who sing at special services. The St Anne’s Choristers are a valued and important part of the church community, welcome at services, events and social occasions.
Rehearsals
Choristers meet at St Anne’s Church on Tuesday and Friday evenings between 5pm and 6:15pm. Rehearsals include warm ups, games, learning new repertoire, rehearsing for performances as well as vocal technique and theory activities.
Children learn sacred music in a wide variety of styles from different periods and composers, including hymns, anthems and psalms. We also include folk songs and other fun repertoire to keep children engaged and having fun.
There is a short break in rehearsals for children to have a drink and a snack and chat to other choir members. The atmosphere is relaxed and cheerful with plenty of chance for children to ask questions and develop their creativity.
Joining the choir
Being a member of St Anne’s Choristers is free of charge. There is no cost to joining or taking part in rehearsals as we are generously funded by a number of donors.
Upon membership and after joining in a few rehearsals, children can order a St Anne’s Choristers t-shirt and sweatshirt. This isn’t a ‘uniform’ but a way for the choir to feel like they have a shared identity and in the case of the sweatshirt, a way to keep warm in church! These are free of charge and yours to keep, but if your child has grown out of a t-shirt or sweatshirt we will gratefully take them back for use as spares.
Choir activities
St Anne’s Choristers organises regular performances for children as well as special services throughout the year. There are also fun activities such as sports, trips, music workshops and games to take part in and which other family members can join. In fact, we welcome family and friends to become part of the whole life of the choir and you are welcome to attend rehearsals and any other events.