Music forms an important part of our worship at St Agatha’s Church. Below is an account of the choir and its activities over the past year. New members of the choir are always welcome.
Junior Choir
At present there are 17 members of the Junior Choir (14 girls and 3 boys). Members are encouraged to study and practise for progressive awards based on the Royal School of Church Music’s ‘Voice for Life’ programme. Congratulations to Fiona Alder, Amy Aldworth, Lucy Baines, Lucy Govan and Becky Murton, all of whom have gained their light blue ribbons, the first stage towards being eligible to enter for Bishop’s awards.
In April 2006 seven members attended the RSCM Easter Course at Magdalen College School, where they enjoyed three full days of singing instruction and practice, ending each day with Evensong in Magdalen College Chapel. Several members also enjoyed a ‘Singing Day’ later in the year in the Falklands Memorial Chapel at Pangbourne College. During the year several Holiday Workshops were held and, in October, four of the juniors went, with senior choir members, to the annual Festival Evensong organised by the Royal School of Church Music at Radley College. At the children’s service on Christmas Eve the juniors gave an excellent performance of ‘Are you travelling with joy in your heart?’, a short musical play. Thanks go to Annie Hearn, whose idea this was, and to Chris Baines, for lending his voice, as well as to the supporting cast and all who helped with the production.
A special thank-you must go to Annie Hearn and Janice Chilton for helping at junior choir practices throughout the year. However, it was with great sadness that we accepted Annie’s resignation from involvement with the Junior Choir after 9 years of outstanding commitment. Also I would like to thank parents for supporting and encouraging their children’s singing.
Adult Choir
The adult choir has continued to lead the singing in St.Agatha's and to provide an anthem at the Sung Eucharist services. We were delighted to welcome two new altos as members this year and the choir now comprises -Sopranos - Ruth Harris, Annie Hearn Olive Sutcliffe Altos - Janice Chilton, Janita Clamp-Gray, Dee Hornblow, Wendy Murton
Tenor - Roy Thorpe Bass - John Rodda
We were glad also to welcome additional singers for the Christmas Carol service.
Derek Nightingale.
