Music Survey - To complete a survey, go to the bottom of the page and click on either Congregation or Choir.  Your completed survey can be emailed (officestjames@cyg.net) or dropped off at the Church Office - 6 Hamilton St. Stratford. Thank you.

The Parish Choir of St. James' Church consists of singers of all ages, divided into two divisions: treble and adult.  Trebles (ages 7-15) rehearse Thursday evenings from 6:00pm-7:00pm, and the adults (SATB) rehearse on Thursdays from 7:30pm - 9:00pm.  The two divisions will practise together on occasion when preparing for major services. Currently, there are 13 trebles and 29 adults in the Parish Choir. They combine for the singing of all services. The repertoire covers music from the sixteenth to the twenty-first century, and includes motets, anthems, plainsong, Anglican Chant, modern chorus songs and Taizé.

Choral Evensong, considered by many to be the masterpiece of Anglican worship, is sung usually on the first Sunday of each month, either at 4:00pm or 7:00pm as announced.  The Parish Choir also presents "A Procession with Lessons and Carols" on the First Sunday of Advent, and the famous "Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" on the Fourth Sunday of Advent.
 

The Royal School of Church Music

St. James' Church is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music.  The RSCM was founded in 1927 by Sir Sydney Nicholson, then Organist and Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey.  He saw that there was a great need in small parish churches for someone to give direction, guidance and support in their music making, and he resigned his position at the Abbey to institute the English School of Church Music.  In 1945 the ESCM received its royal designation.  Our patron is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  The President is the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The purpose of the RSCM is to improve the quality of worship, especially the choral singing in churches, and to provide training for those who lead music in worship.  All of this is realized through workshops, choral festivals and the new training scheme, A Voice for Life.

The RSCM is now an international organization encompassing many faith traditions.  There are over 7,000 church affiliations and 4,000 personal members.  The training and publishing centre is located at Sarum College, England.  Courses are set up at many centres and attract people from all over the world.

A Voice for Life

This program assists the chorister in developing choral skills and teamwork with full participation in the liturgy on a weekly basis.  Religious education is incorporated into the scheme and the trebles receive a thorough understanding of the Christian Year.

Probationer

When new choristers join the choir, they wear just the cassock in church, and they begin to get familiar with the liturgies.  After a three-month probation period, when they have demonstrated dedication and commitment to the choir by attending rehearsals and services on a regular basis, they are made a full member of the choir, and are presented with their surplice in a simple ceremony in church.

Junior Chorister (Light Blue Ribbon)

After being admitted to the choir, the chorister begins working towards the Junior Chorister level.  After some tests and memory work, the young singer is promoted to Junior Chorister, and receives an RSCM badge with a light blue ribbon.

Senior Chorister (Dark Blue Ribbon)

This level requires more training and religious education and upon completion of all requirements, the chorister is promoted and receives a dark blue ribbon attached to the choir badge.

Full Chorister (Red Ribbon)

This is the most advance position of the scheme at the parish level and requires a deeper knowledge of repertoire and singing skills.  The chorister is promoted and receives a red ribbon.

Teens and Adults

A Voice for Life has been developed to cover a chorister's vocal training for life. The RSCM is currently developing the scheme for Teens/Changing Voices and Adults.

Other Awards

These levels are beyond the Voice for Life scheme, and require a strong singing ability and a wider knowledge of repertoire and liturgy.

The Dean's Award
The Bishop's Award
St. Cecilia and St. Nicholas Awards

Music Survey   - Congregation

                                  - Choir Members