Director of Music
Scott Senogles B:Mus (hons), MA
49 Fulneck, Pudsey, Leeds, LS28 8NT
0790
Want to join a lively mixed choir which sings all styles of music?
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The Choir – A brief history
We know that a ‘new’ choir was formed in time for the dedication of the present church building in 1871 because an appeal for new singers appeared in the parish magazine earlier that year. Whether this was a fresh start or an attempt to enlarge an existing choir we are not sure. We do know that the first significant choirmaster in the new church was William Clarke Ainley from 1874 –1904. The church has been fortunate in having dedicated organist\choirmasters ever since until 2002.
Continuing until the late 1990’s the choir was a male voice choir, with between 30 and 40 members at any one time, including 20 to 30 boys. It’s musical standard was extremely high.In 1997, due to lack of boys and men, it was decided to develop a mixed choir, including if possible a children’s section which could stand alone when required. This latter aim has proved to be difficult.
At the moment (2006) the choir has 8 ladies and 5 men.
The role of the choir in worship
The main purpose of the choir is to enable the congregation, of which it is a part, to worship more effectively. Music is recognised as being an important ingredient of worship which reflects the seasons or themes of the Church’s year.
The choir has several roles to play:
It leads the congregation in both the spoken and sung parts of the service.
It sets the mood at various times by the use of appropriate music.
It sings anthems and other special pieces which are in part the choir’s own act of worship, and also provides the congregation with a time for reflection.
In addition to the services week by week there are special services from time to time. Christmas, with its numerous Carol services, Holy Week and Easter are very busy , but rewarding.
The choir sings regularly at weddings and at occasional funerals.
The Choir Guild
This is the support group for the choir which all members of the choir, along with their spouses, and the children’s parents are encouraged to join. It raises money for the running of the choir, including paying for training courses, music, robes and trips and treats for the children.