On Friday
16 May the choir was joined by children from all over
Northampton interested in what it is to be a chorister.
The evening began with some games on the church green
and a particularly fiercely contested game of rounders
helped everyone get to know each other a little better.
Whilst the games continued outside, parents were invited
to attend a presentation given by the Director of Music
regarding the choir’s hectic but rewarding schedule and
laying out some of the exciting events that are coming
up for the music department in the near future. Everyone
was treated to a slap-up meal from Pizza Hut(!) and the
adults enjoyed a cup of tea and a chat.
St
Matthew’s Choir’s regular rehearsal evening is Friday
and after tea we went upstairs to the Song Room to learn
some music together. It was a bit of a squeeze to get
everyone in, but all of the Be a Choristers were
given a present chorister to ‘buddy up’ with. After some
rather silly warm-ups two pieces were learned ready for
the adults’ arrival later in the evening. Following a
break, and some more games outside, we all joined
together to sing rehearse three pieces for a performance
in the church. At 8pm we went over to the church to get
ready for a performance of the things learned to parents
and supporters. The St Matthew’s Choir, combined with 11
Be a Choristers, filled the church with sound and
delighted the small audience that had come to hear us.
We sang Mark Sirett’s Thou shalt know him when he
comes, S S Wesley’s Thou wilt keep him in perfect
peace and Bob Chilcott’s arrangement of the
spiritual Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
The present choir then gave two performances of works
they have sung regularly: C V Stanford’s Magnificat
in C and Philip Stopford’s Do not be afraid.
New choristers who begin in the choir in September can
look forward to singing Philip’s new piece for the choir
O how glorious is the kingdom which is the next
in the succession of St Matthew’s musical commissions.
At the end of the evening the Be a Choristers
were given a certificate to take home and invited to
come back and see us soon. St Matthew’s Choir is looking
for 6 new choristers to join its ranks in September
2014. The Director of Music is always pleased to hear
from prospective choristers at any time of year.
The Director of Music, Thomas Moore, is
looking to recruit BOYS from school year 4
to 7 and GIRLS from school year 5 upwards
who are keen to sing and eager to learn.
