St George's Parish Choir
We are fortunate at St George’s to have had our worship enriched over the years by a strong Anglican choral tradition nourished by members of our talented and faithful choir and heartfelt congregational singing, under the inspiration and direction of Sue Howell Evans for more than 50 years.
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Four-part anthems have formed part of the 10am Sunday Eucharist every week, with a repertoire ranging from Tallis to Rutter, plainsong to Rizza. The Mass is always sung, with a variety of congregational (with choir) settings. The New English Hymnal and Celebration for Everyone hymnal are used for congregational hymns and songs. The choir is robed in distinctive green cassocks.
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It has been wonderful too, in recent times, to witness a new children’s choir take root and develop as an increasing number of children lend their hearts and voices to our liturgy, all under Sue and Mandy Robert’s guidance.
That said, this cannot be taken for granted. It is sadly the case that, along with many churches, we have seen the numbers in our choir diminish over the years and an increasing lack of familiarity and confidence with singing church music and hymnody amongst our congregation. It is perhaps not surprising given the cultural shifts that have happened, particularly since the Covid pandemic, as well as the number of new people, young and old, who have begun to attend worship at St George’s, many of whom have not be regular churchgoers. This presents a challenge and an opportunity to rediscover the joy of singing together in worship.
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As such, during 2026-2027 we are trialing a new pattern of singing for our Sunday services which 1) acknowledges our choral tradition and the contribution of our parish choir while encouraging new members to try out; 2) builds on the new growth amongst our young choir members; and 3) strengthens our singing as a congregation and familiarity with a repertoire of hymns, new and old.
The following pattern is followed for each month:
1st Sunday: Children’s choir, supported by some of the adult choir.
2nd Sunday: Parish choir. This is for anyone who would like to sing, aimed mainly at adults, but older children would be welcome. Rehearsals will be on the preceding Tuesdays at 6pm (i.e. once a month) and anyone is welcome to come along to try.
3rd Sunday: All Age Worship. Music led by the children’s choir.
4th & 5th Sundays: Congregational where members of the choir sit in the congregation, supporting others
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New members of the choir are welcome at any time. Entrance is by demonstrating commitment to attendance at rehearsals once a month (currently Tuesday evenings 6pm – 7pm) and singing at the 10.00 Sunday Eucharist. For any children interested in joining the choir, please see the separate page about the children's choir.
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Choir members also sing at weddings, funerals and special services when requested and oftentimes receive a small fee for doing so.