The Choir
In 1995 All Saints celebrated its 600th anniversary.To complement the fine architecture of our building, bequeathed to us by previous generations, we have been blessed with an excellent tradition of music. I welcome all initiatives that encourage musical learning which not only enhances the music of the worship in our church but also relates to the requirements of the National Curriculum in music.
The Master of the Choristers Peter Richards explains about the boys’ choir and the aspects of the National Curriculum relating to it
The unique English choir sound, with boys providing the highest (treble) part, is a tradition dating back many centuries.From the ranks of our Cathedral, College and Parish Church choirs have come some of our greatest composers and musicians.
This tradition continues at All Saints, Maidstone’s Parish, Civic and CountyChurch, which has a long tradition of fine music and choral singing.
These high standards of singing which form an integral part of our services mean that we need to give our choristers a thorough and specialised musical training; a training which should not only help them to develop more confidence and self-esteem, but at the same time should enable them to greatly enhance their general and musical education by supplementing and building upon the skills that they are already developing at their schools, as part of the National Curriculum.
This training can and does provide excellent preparation for examinations at G.C.S.E and A Level.Indeed, you do not necessarily have to play a musical instrument for these qualifications, as the voice is classed as an instrument.
In the last decade, several of our former choristers obtained success as a result of their initial musical training in All Saints Choir.These include: John Morgan – Choral Scholar and Graduate of York University; Simon Warne – Graduate in Music from Colchester University and Choral Scholar at Chelmsford Cathedral; Andrew Cottee – Graduate of the Royal College of Music and a percussion finalist in the Young Musician of the Year Competition; Adam Smyth who in September 2001 took up a Choral Scholarship at Magdalen College, Oxford.
At the other end of the spectrum, and demonstrating diversity of musical style, three members of the highly acclaimed, Maidstone based rock band “One Day Elliott” met as choristers at All Saints. Two of them, Paul Richards and Iain Greenlees, are still members of the choir, singing bass and alto respectively.
Developing good social skills is a most important part of every young person’s development and the choristers have a great deal of fun in the social events that are organised for them. As well as the annual summer day out in August, the choir club meets on the second Monday of the month after choir practice. This gives the boys the opportunity to play board games, snooker, table tennis and indoor football. We even have our coach-choir parent Clive Cheeseman. The tuck shop (again run by parents),offering the chance to buy favourite snacks and drinks, is also a popular feature.
We also have days out when the choir is invited to sing in various cathedrals, including Canterbury, St Pauls, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Exeter, Winchester, Norwich, St Albans and Coventry.
Answers to questions most frequently asked by parents of prospective choristers.
Q Do potential candidates already need to have exceptional voices to be considered in the first place?
A Definitely not. Their voices develop as a result of regular voice training, which they are given as part of their musical education. We are therefore looking for potential rather than outright ability at this stage
Q Are they taught how to read and understand musical notation?
A Yes. This is an essential part of their training. Not only are they taught how to understand musical notation, but also how to achieve expressive musical performances by using a wide varity of tone and dynamics in their singing.
Q How can choir membership help to improve my son’s general level of education?
A He should become a fluent reader, as our music makes use of a wide variety of texts. Some of our music is sung using the original Latin texts, thereby giving a valuable insight into this ancient language. Independent research by two universities has proved that children who play musical instruments or who sing (as a result of specialist musical tuition) achieve better results in literacy and numeracy than their non-musical peers.
Q Is it true that membership to the choir is completely free and that there are no hidden charges?
A Yes, this true. In fact, the boys receive a quarterly salary in return for their singing, with extra fees for weddings and special services.
Q Why does the choir only accept boys?
A The sound of a trained boy’s voice is different to that of a girl’s voice. Most of our music has been written with boys’ voices in mind and for the particular type of sound that they produce. You may have noticed the unique sound of the all male choir, when the service for the Queen Mother’s funeral and the service to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee were televised.
Q How can I find out if my son is suitable for this type of musical education?
A Simply by telephoning the choirmaster, who will be pleased to chat informally about what is required. A voice trial can then be arranged if necessary. If you are not sure, please do not hesitate to get in touch anyway, as we are here to help and advise you.
The ORGANIST and MASTER of the CHORISTERS
Peter
Richards B. Mus.,
46 Square Hill Road
Maidstone
ME15 7TN
Telephone:-
01622677245
E-mail:- Admin@maidstoneallsaints.freeserve.co.uk
The CHOIR SECRETARY
Mrs
Pamela Ratcliffe
10 Whitchurch Close
Maidstone
ME16 8UR
Telephone:-
01622 682119
E-mail:- rbr1@btconnect.com