The Choir

St Mary's Choir is always looking for new members to swell the ranks, both trebles and back row voices. Singing experience is desirable, although not essential.

We sing a wide repertoire at St Mary's and sing regularly at other venues. We have sung at:

Contact Director of Music, Karl Dorman, on 07870 938167 or karljdorman@hotmail.com for an informal voice test

For many years St Mary’s has enjoyed a long musical tradition that has enhanced church services and given inspiration to all who have worshipped here. In a very literal sense, generations of singers and other musicians have not only received support and encouragement for their music making, but in many cases have gone on to use this experience as a springboard for a lifetime of musical fulfilment. It is our objective to maintain and develop this established heritage and preserve it for those who will follow. We are one of the few parish churches that maintain a treble line consisting of boy Choristers. Our repertoire ranges from Plainsong to music by Tudor composers through to contemporary Motets.

What musical activities take place?
St Mary’s reflects the broad Anglican choral repertoire within a traditional liturgy and maintains a choir of about 10 boys, lady altos and men. The choir sings at the two main services on Sundays: the 9.30 am Parish Eucharist and Choral Evensong at 6.30pm. At every service we sing an anthem or motet.

What does choir membership involve?
Primarily it requires a passion for music, dedication and commitment, as well as the inherent qualities of enthusiasm and the ability to sing well. Life as a treble chorister usually begins at around the age of 7 or 8 when they are introduced to the choir routine and begin to learn new repertoire. After this has been successfully established they are expected to commence the normal attendance timetable of Wednesday evening practice and two Sunday services. We operate the RSCM badge system.

The regular choir get time off when St Mary's Ladies Choir, directed by Pam Akhurst, lead the Sunday worship and perform an anthem once a month. Recruits to the Ladies Choir are also welcome!

The Boys Choir football team is soon to be back on the pitch, and choir members also support and take part in the activities of St Mary's Youth Link (SMYL) with its exciting days out, water fights and camping trips!

Karl Dorman began his training as a chorister at Rugby Parish Church under the direction of Arnold Pugh. He was later selected to be the Organ Scholar at the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick.

Karl was awarded an Eric Thompson Scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music with Patrick Russill and Nicolas Kynaston. Whilst a student at the RAM, he was winner of the United Music Publishers Organ Prize. Karl concluded study at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

In September 2005, he succeeded Kerry Beaumont as a Deputy Organist at Guildford Cathedral where he regularly deputised for the then Sub Organist David Davies, under the direction of Stephen Farr. He was simultaneously appointed Director of Music at Merton Parish Church and joined Beddington Parish Church in May 2011.

Karl is associate conductor of the chamber choir Sine Nomine. He has been Chorus-master of the Rugby School Philharmonic and at present works as an Organ tutor at Wimbledon College. He has performed at Westminster Cathedral. Recent performances have included Ely and Coventry Cathedrals and York Minster.

The Organs at St. Mary's

Our fine Lewis Organ housed in a case by the workshop of William Morris was overhauled by Willis in the 1990s and is currently in the care of Harrisons of Durham. The PCC are budgeting for its next overhaul some time in the next decade.
The Chamber organ, situated in the North Aisle was a gift to the Parish.