| St. James has long had a choral tradition, and our choir, consisting of choristers (boys and girls), men and ladies work
to uphold this. |
| The choir sings at the principal Church services, Sunday morning Communion and choral Evensong (occasionally a full sung
choral evensong service) as well as on special occasions such as festivals or weddings when requested. |
| At Christmas time the choir normally has a number of carol singing engagements, which in the past have included such
venues as the Masonic Lodge in Wetherby and local nursing homes. On Christmas Eve the choir visits Woodhall Hotel to provide
carol singing for the guests who spend the Christmas period at the hotel in its wonderful setting near Linton, before
returning to Wetherby, hopefully in time for a pint (!) before singing in Church at the Midnight Service. |
| We have a library of over 500 pieces, most of the music sung as four part harmonies, written on two staves. |
| As well as receiving voice & musical training (eg. theory, voice projection, sight reading) and an early appreciation
of sacred and secular music, choristers are also encouraged in the development of their knowledge of the Christian faith
and most later decide to come forward for confirmation. |
| The choristers are paid for their time and effort and the contribution they bring to the music at St. James. |
| THE ROYAL SCHOOL OF CHURCH MUSIC |
| The choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music and, as such, choristers are trained by the Choirmaster
towards a set of attainment targets, each marked by the award of an RSCM badge with a coloured ribbon. |
| When new choristers join the choir, they wear just a blue cassock in church, and they begin to familiarise themselves
with the liturgies etc. |
| During a probation period the chorister begins working towards the Junior Chorister level. when they have
demonstrated dedication and commitment to the choir by attending rehearsals and services on a regular basis, and after some
basic tests (where a basic understanding of music needs to be demonstrated as well as an understanding of psalm pointing)
they are made a full member of the choir, and are presented with their white surplice and junior chorister medal (light blue
ribbon) in a short ceremony usually at the end of a Sunday morning service. |
| Senior Chorister (red ribbon) This is the most advanced position of the scheme at Parish level and requires a
deeper religious knowledge, repertoire and greater singing skills, including a requirement to demonstrate an ability
to sing both soprano parts. Upon completion of all requirements, the chorister is promoted and receives a red ribbon. |
Other Awards
A complementary system of awards assessed through formal examination by the Royal School of Church Music.
The Bronze Award
(also known as The Dean's Award)
The Silver Award (also known as The Bishop's Award)
St. Cecilia Award (girls) and St.
Nicholas Award (boys) now
combined as The Gold Award. |
