Why Join?

Music
Singing is an excellent way to learn to read music. The training given at St. Mary-le-Tower is fully structured and is a valuable musical education in itself. It also includes basic teaching about the Christian faith.

You enjoy singing
The choir provides an excellent chance for you to learn to use your voice correctly and to increase in self-confidence as you perform more and more in public.

Achievement
You are part of one of the finest church choirs in East Anglia. Hard work is rewarded and many boys have become Bishop’s Choristers in the diocese of St Edmundsbury. A few have gained the nationally recognised Gold Award of the Royal School of Church Music.

Travel
The choir is an excellent way to get to see different parts of England and the world. In recent years the choir has sung in France, Germany and Holland and in Canterbury, Wells and Ely Cathedrals in England. In October 2005, the choir toured America and sang in New York, Boston, Salem and Ipswich Massachusetts. In February 2006, the choir had a mini tour to Lincoln, Sheffield and Southwell singing at all three Cathedrals. In February 2007 they toured around northern France. In 2008 they say services at Ripon and Durham Cathedrals and York Minster.

Tradition
As a member of St. Mary-le-Tower’s choir you are taking part in a tradition that spans back over many centuries. You become familiar with the unfolding seasons of the church’s calendar.

Recordings
The choir has recently produced a CD, to raise funds for the 2005 tour to America. This was a great opportunity for the boys and men alike!

Big Occasions
St. Mary-le-Tower is the civic church of Ipswich, and is therefore frequently the venue for important occasions at which the choir play a prominent role, like the memorial services for Lord Belstead in January 2006 and Sir Alf Ramsey in 1999. They also sing two services each year with the chapel choir of Ipswich School.

Activities
Apart from singing, the choir also do other activities together, such as bowling, going to the cinema or games in the park.

Money
All the boys in the choir are paid by the church, and receive their money termly. The longer you stay in the choir the more money you receive. You receive extra when you sing at special services. When your voice breaks you will receive an “ex gratia” payment.

Friendships and teamwork
The choir is a chance to make new friendships with other boys of your own age in a Christian environment. As a member of a team you learn to work together to produce results you can be proud of.

When does the Choir practice?
The choir rehearse on Tuesdays 5:30 – 7:30 (games from 6:00) and Fridays 6:45 – 8:10.
They also rehearse for 30 minutes before a service on a Sunday.
New boys, known as probationers, initially rehearse only on a Tuesday.

When does the choir sing?
The choir sings at two services on Sunday and occasional weekday services. probationers will sing at one morning service on a Sunday (either 9.45 or 11.15). the probationary period usually lasts two terms, after which the probationer becomes a full chorister

What else does the choir offer?
The boys receive group singing lessons at rehearsals. Sometimes boys will receive individual help to enable them to gain RSCM awards. It is sometimes possible for a boy to have piano or organ lessons at St. Mary-le-Tower.

Does it matter which school my son comes from?
No. At present the boys are drawn from a variety of schools in the area. The church has excellent relations with a number of schools in the area, and headteachers are always made aware of the choirs’ activities.

Will my son be safe at St. Mary-le-Tower?
Yes. At all rehearsals there will be at least two adults present. At most Tuesday practices the number is often four or five. We hope some parents will be able to help out on a rota basis. There is also adequate supervision at choir social activities, tours and visits to other churches. On tours the boys are supervised at all times, including at night. The boys will usually know all the adults on any outing away from St. Mary-le-Tower.

How do I join?
Contact Dr Michael Nicholas - mb.nicholas1@homecall.co.uk