Music at the Servite Church

At the Servite Church we believe music plays a key role in the celebration of the Liturgy, both in giving extra colour and reverence to the important parts of the Eucharist as well as a reflection of the current liturgy.

We have at the Servite Church an extensive choir and an array of talented instrumentalists who divide their time amongst four masses over the weekend. Occasionally we join forces for special celebrations.

The 6.30pm Vigil Mass and the 7pm Sunday Mass are musically intimate affairs with more modern single-part folk-style hymns and mass settings.

The Sunday 10am mass, known as the Family Mass, contains mostly modern and some traditional music, with part singing alongside a backdrop provided by a sophisticated instrumental ensemble. This mass is oriented towards children and there are many children in the choir for this mass.

The 12.15pm mass makes use of the beautiful organ - one of the finest instruments in England to create a very special service.

Choir and Musicians Group

A mixture of traditional hymns such as The Lord is My Shepherd, Abide with Me and All People that on Earth Do Dwell are sung together with music by contemporary English and American composers such as Stephen Dean, Bernadette Farrel and Graham Kendrick. All hymns and mass settings that we sing are present in the book, Laudate published by Decani Music.

At the Servite Church we strongly believe in musical participation by the whole congregation. Lyrics only editions of the hymn book, Laudate can be found on the pews for use by the congregation.So please join in the singing of the hymns and mass settings. Your contribution will be welcomed!

Furthermore, your voice may not be as bad as you think. Perhaps you just need a bit of guidance and singing with people who are confident. Consider joining the choir!

Joining the Choir

All are welcome. There are no auditions. The ability to read music is highly desirable but not essential. If you're keen, turn up to rehearsals. Pick a mass that suits you.

If it is the 10am mass, turn up at the church at 9.30am where we rehearse for that day's mass.

For the 12.15pm mass, stay on afterwards by the grand piano at the front right hand side of the church. The choir rehearses there after the service for the next week's mass.

For the other masses, see the instrumentalist after the service and discuss.

Alternatively e-mail the church and tell us

• Your name
• Contact details
• Whether you read music
• What part (SATB) you sing

Joining the Musicians Group

Much more is expected of the instrumentalists than the singers. You will be expected to attend every week. You will need to have passed Trinity or ABRSM 3rd grade (minimum) as well as pass an audition and sight-read very well. If you are interested and you are absolutely sure you are really committed, please see the person directing the music after the mass you regularly attend, or e-mail the church and tell us

• Your name
• Contact details
• What instrument you play
• What grade you have achieved

Hymns and Mass Settings for the Following Weeks

In the case of the 10am and 12.15 services, the hymns and mass settings that will be used for the next few Sundays are available online here.

Viewing this page beforehand in conjunction with the melody edition of the Laudate (which many members of the choir have purchased) will greatly help make the rehearsals run smoothly and also allow us to provide better quality music.