With the changes to services very recently coming into effect, many questions have been raised by a congregation, unsure as to how they, personally, will be affected.
Musically speaking, the policy remains to nurture, foster and cultivate further, the feeling of corporate ”belonging” for musicians of all ages, singers and instrumentalists alike. Parish worship at St. James may take place in more than one building. “We”, as musicians, make our humble contribution with ONE voice!
This “one” voice obviously has a number of differing strands. Musicians understandably have preferences and priorities amongst the diverse material that we perform, but all are encouraged to “try something different” (perhaps even out of their comfort zone) as far as time and commitment will allow. A notable example of this policy bearing fruit is the burgeoning group of singers that regularly perform at weddings – drawn from a pleasing cross-section whose priorities might lie in other areas.
We are currently undertaking a recruitment drive to inject new blood, and perhaps re-enthuse others whose star may have faded. To find out more about the numerous options and possibilities for the future, I am always available, or do feel free to talk to another member of our musical team.
The onset of the new service regime has seen the moving on, for different reasons, of two of our most dedicated and long serving musicians.
Anna Smith, through her re-location to Cambridge is unable to continue her commitment to the Orchestra, whilst Barrie Bangert, who regularly played the organ at 8.00 a.m. until the last service on Easter morning, will now focus his efforts as our leading tenor. Both have given loyal service in their respective roles for well over ten years, and deserve a sincere “THANK YOU” from us all!
Simon Dellow