Music at St Hilda’s

St Hilda’s supports three choirs covering all age groups within the church:

1. St Hilda's Junior Choir participates in the monthly Family Service and usually performs an item on its own.

We have welcomed several new members in recent months and it is hoped that this will encourage greater involvement in the worship at St Hilda's. Janet Husband has assisted in this venture. New members would be most welcome.

the Junior Choir has a short practice on Sunday mornings after the 9.30 Service.

2. St Hilda's Youth Singers is a vibrant group for youngsters of secondary school age and is directed by Paula Gething.  Practice take place on Tuesday evenings from 7:15pm until 8pm in the Choir Vestry.  The repertoire includes modern worship songs as well as traditional church music. Practices include vocal exercises and guidance to help members make the most of their voices.  Members have the opportunity to work towards their Royal School of Church Music Awards as they develop their commitment.  This group joins with the main choir for some Festivals and from time to time sings as a group at other services. 

During the last 12 months the group has performed in 3 concerts, written and produced two new hymns for St Hilda’s, taken part in the London Diocese RSCM festival at St Paul’s Cathedral and led the singing at the procession of Witness through Ashford on Good Friday. In addition, Robert Garner, Owen Bate and William Gething all achieved their RSCM Dark Blue Ribbon award and Miles Buttigieg and Sian Gething achieved their RSCM Light Blue Ribbon.

Junior Choir and Youth Singers are available to sing at weddings.

3. Main Choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) and maintains the traditional four-part (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) format. During the year a range of anthems are sung at the regular services and at a number of special services at Church Festivals and celebrations.  In this we are continuing the long-standing Anglican tradition, which, sadly, is a declining feature in many Parish Churches. The RSCM reflects this decline in its increasing output of one-part music and music for churches without choirs.

During the last year the choir has maintained its practice of singing anthems during services and continued to play its part in the development of Common Worship.  That this is possible is due to the dedication and competence of the choir members.   The Organist and Choirmaster, Dr.Peter Pritchard is supported by Ken Clarke who is Deputy Organist and Deputy Choirmaster and Paula Gething who has special responsibility for the Youth Singers.

New members to all sections of the choir are always welcome, please speak to Peter Pritchard after the service, or contact Paula Gething by youthsingers@sthilda.org  or via the Parish Office.

St Hilda's

A Christ-Centred Community