Music at St Nicholas’ Church
The Choir

‘A church or a school without a choir is
like a body without a soul. Singing lies
at the heart of worship and education. Voice for Life
has a valuable part to play in giving life and soul
to us all as we worship and learn.’
John Rutter, Composer & conductor

There has been a choir at St Nicholas’ church for generations. we are proud to serve the community by offering children and adults the opportunity to learn and enjoy their ministry through music.

We are currently recruiting members (age 8 and upwards) to our friendly group, offering a ‘trial-run’ with no audition, for anyone who is interested. Rehearsals take place of a Thursday evening. Junior choir 6.30 – 7.30 and adults from 7.15 until 8.30.

Voice for Life is a wonderful resource to help underpin
choral singing of all types and genres; with its modular
approach, focusing on training, target setting, and
repertoire ideas, the new programme is to be welcomed
by anyone who cares about the future of singing.’
Malcolm Goldring, youngchoirs.net‘

Members:

Soprano
Laura Leartherbarrow    
Sam Rooney
Brenda Copeland
Norma Farrag
Shirley Fairclough
Kirsty Ligterwood

Alto
Cynthia Carter
Pam Smith
Julie Dray

Tenor
Ian Ligterwood

Bass
Keith Thornborough
Peter Levick

Junior Choir
Olivia Boyer
Rebecca Baden
James Everett
Spencer Garner
Lucy Jones

Officers
Director of Music                                            Michael Foy
Assistant Organist                                            Kirsty Ligterwood
Deputy organist / junior choir co-ordinator      Keith Thornborough
Librarian                                                          Sam Rooney
Welfare                                                            Brenda Copeland
Social                                                               Laura Leatherbarrow

‘When you enable a child to sing, you ensure him or her of a gift for life which can be used,
free of charge, until the last breath. It is a talent which cannot be left buried, especially in the
face of the one who expects us to ‘sing a new song’.’
Revd John Bell, Iona Community

The choir is affiliated to the ‘Royal School of Church Music’ and as such employs the ‘Voice for Life’ training programme. Every level of Voice for Life provides training in five core areas:

Module A: Using the voice well
This module aims to teach singers how to develop good vocal technique.

Module B: Musical skills and understanding
This module aims to develop knowledge of music theory and notation, and
encourages singers to demonstrate this understanding through sight-singing and
aural skills.

Module C: Repertoire
This module aims to develop a good understanding of the musical and historical
context of the music performed by the choir or individual singer.

Module D: Belonging to the choir
This module aims to encourage singers to view their choir as a team. They are invited
to reflect upon and develop their contribution and commitment to the team.

Module E: Choir in context
This module encourages singers to explore the wider context of their choir’s
existence.

When proficiency is achieved in each module choristers are awarded medals in the following order: Light Blue – Dark Blue – Red

Singing reaches the parts (body, heart, mind and spirit) which few others can – why not
give it a try?’
Sir David Lumsden, former Principal, The Royal Academy of Music

All through my childhood I was never happier than when I was singing, and a series of
choirs and smaller singing groups were crucial to my musical development – and my social
life! I wish this excellent initiative every success.’
Emma Kirkby, Singer