I will sing with the Spirit and the understanding also

Our choir

The choir of Christ Church Freemantle is a robed choir of mixed adults encompassing a range of experience and ability. 
Affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM), members are encouraged to develop their singing and musical skills using the RSCM's Voice for Life programme. We want to be encouraging to all those who want to help inspire and contribute to worship through music regardless of previous singing experiences.  The music selections are always tailored to the voices of the choir but aspiration to attempt new and challenging repertoire. 

Value of a church choir

It can be daunting entering a church for the first time, knowing when to stand, sit, speak or keep quiet! Alongside this is having confidence to sing up in the hymns. Having a choir helps to lead and support the congregation bringing together all voices in an exciting act of communal worship.

There is a long and rich history of Church music in this country and around the world. The choir helps introduce a colourful repertoire to the congregation and seeks to share and express the Christian message in a diverse range of music and texts. From Wesley to Rutter, Plainsong to Worship Songs there will hopefully be something that allows worship to be meaningful and inspiring.

In addition to the singing, being part of a choir is being part of a team too. The choir socialises together outside of Church and many members contribute to other aspects of Church life and Ministry.  
At its heart, the choir looks to spread the Good News to our Church family and community in songs of everlasting praise!

Interested in joining us?

It can be incredibly fulfilling to be part of a Church Choir and we are always on the look out for new people to share this experience with.  Being part of the choir requires a lot commitment and can be challenging, tiring and musically technical however the results and satisfaction make effort put in worth it!

A typical week for a chorister involves;
Wednesdays - Rehearsal from 7.30-8.30pm
Sundays - 10am Eucharist
Sundays 4.30pm alternating Compline & Evensong

In addition to these events, there are occasional 'high days and holidays' such as Ascension, Advent Carols, 9 Lessons and Carols which may require extra rehearsals. We also join with other choirs where possible on 5th Sundays for Deanery Evensong.

We would expect choristers to attend as many rehearsals and services as possible. This helps develop musical skills and experience the full range of repertoire we cover. It also ensures you do not fall behind on the run up to special services.

What is sung?
At Sunday morning services the choir leads the congregation in around 5 hymns. On most weeks part of the Communion is enhanced by singing simple settings of the Mass which the congregation join in with. The content for Evening services is more substantial with the choir singing hymns, psalms, canticles and an anthem. However, in recent years to ensure the congregation can still actively take part, content is alternated. For example one week we may sing a psalm and the next it be said.

If this sounds like it could be something for you, why not come and have a go! If you have any questions or would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact our Director of Music, Craig, on [email protected]