Choir news

April began with the celebration of Easter and it was time to break out the chocolate for all those who had given it up for Lent. The choir had worked so hard and sang so well that they even got a Wednesday off after Easter! It wasn't long though before we had to start practising for the 21st Hillsborough memorial service at Anfield. There was an estimated attendance of 10,000 people who applauded us very generously. After the reading of the names the choir sing 'May the choir of angels be ever with you' with a soaring descant and this was sung against the backdrop of the Kop applauding all the way through which was quite an emotional moment. Eve and Jenny once again sang their solos beautifully in Pie Jesu and the whole service was rounded off as usual with a rousing performance of 'You'll never walk alone'. Unfortunately, because of school commitments, Dave couldn't be with us this year to accompany us. We are indebted to Mike Jones who stepped into the breach and accompanied us superbly. Also, our thanks to Matthew and Alison Caine who came to sing with us. Your help is very much appreciated and we hope to welcome them again at events in the future.
 

On 17th April it was time for our 4 Dean's chorister candidates to go to the Metropolitan cathedral for their singing exam. They've been busy preparing for this test for weeks which examines them on their singing, sight reading, theory and knowledge of the services and bible. It really is a very thorough exam and I'm delighted to say that they all passed with flying colours. Lauren, Leah and Rachel were awarded merit and Steven was awarded a distinction. We're very proud of them and congratulate them all.
They will be presented with their medals during the RSCM festival to be held in St. Anne's on Saturday 8th May. Choirs from all over the diocese will come to sing with us and we would welcome anyone that wants to come to hear us sing evensong at 4.30pm very warmly indeed. This is the first time an RSCM festival has been held here in St Anne's and so we're quite excited and hope it will be the first of many.

Also coming up is the Art and open day in St Paul's. This day has been the brainchild of Edward Taylor and he's encouraged children in the choir and members of the parishes to display some of their art at the open day. I for one am very much looking forward to seeing all the pictures on display. Doors open at 10am and there will be refreshments available as well as displays around the church, including a chance to try and blow one of the very big organ pipes to see if you can get a sound out of it. At 3pm the choir will be singing evensong and we hope that everyone will come and support the whole day.

Geoff