During Lent 2004 the director of choirs and music at St Mary’s was asked to provide some information on St Mary’s Choirs for a faith website being planned by BBC in Birmingham. We reproduce here the text submitted for their consideration.
In 2005, St. Mary’s Church, Moseley, Birmingham celebrates its six hundredth anniversary! The Pope gave permission for a chapel of ease in 1405, and stone for the building of a tower was later given by Elizabeth of York. Most of what you can see today is late Victorian although the tower, which dominates the Moseley skyline, dates back to the 15th Century. There has been a traditional Robed Choir in the church for well over the past century - the current choristers follow a proud tradition!
Although originally the Treble line (young sopranos) was all boys, since the early 1990s girls have been included as well. Today the Treble team form a wonderfully unified group, singing together, playing together and enjoying the vibrant social life which is one of the hallmarks of this unique choir. They sing with a "Back Row" (Alto / Tenor / Bass) of teenagers and adults, some of whom were themselves formerly Trebles in the choir.
We say "unique" because we feel that what we offer to youngsters in our choir is unavailable in almost any other youth organisation in the area:
Many former members who have left for University regularly return to sing in vacations as they appreciate the fellowship the choir offers.
Many choristers enter for the Royal School of Church Music’s Dean’s and Bishop’s Chorister Awards. Since January 2004 six choristers - four Bishop’s and two Dean’s - all succeeded in these prestigious exams.
Former members of the choir have gone on to great things:
There are two weekly practices — Tuesday 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. — and we sing once or twice on a Sunday (we share the church schedule with the adult St. Mary’s Singers). Regularity and commitment are important to all members of the choir.
“I really enjoy being a member of the choir - we’ve visited so many exciting places. My favourite was Atlanta, USA especially recording in the Cathedral there.”
“Being in the Choir makes me feel special. Being near the altar with the clergy helps me feel really part of the worship rather than just sitting in the congregation.”
“The Choir has really helped with my schoolwork. My reading wasn’t very good when I was younger but as soon as I joined the choir it began to improve and now I’m editing a school magazine! Singing the words and learning what even ancient texts meant made it so much more relevant.”
“Christmas is a special time for me. Singing for our Service of Nine Lessons and Carols and at Midnight Communion brings the real meaning of the season home to me and my family.”
“I come to the choir with my friends. It’s something we can do together. I enjoy getting some extra pocket money but there’s so much different music that it always keeps me interested. We have a great time when we go bowling or to the cinema. I’ve made new friends in the Church as well.”
“I’m really proud that I’ve just got my RSCM Bishop’s Chorister Award. It makes all the hard work really worthwhile. I’ve been in the Choir for seven years and it’s made me really committed to the Church. I’ve been confirmed and now serve at the altar and help in Children’s Groups when I’m not singing.”
“I enjoy singing in Latin. It makes me feel part of history.”
“Some people think that Church is boring but I enjoy the things I do there, especially singing with the Choir. You get to wear special robes and process with the clergy.”
“When I sing it makes me feel excited. When we sing a big anthem we get a buzz from the tremendous sound we can make especially with the organ.”
“I’ve made friends in Germany through our Frankfurt exchange with the Choir. I often go over there and I’m doing well in German at school.”