Newark Parish Church appeals for new Choristers and Scholars to join church choir

Children and young people are being invited to join a centuries old church choir, which has performed at some of the UKs most prestigious locations.

Newark Parish Church church is seeking to recruit more singers for its renowned choir, with places available for people of all ages and voice types.

In particular, the church are looking for children aged seven to 13 to join as Choristers, and there are also opportunities for young people aged 13 to 25, and in full time education, to become for Scholars.

The choir have sung in some incredible cathedral across the UK, including Ely, Peterborough and Southwell Minster, as well as in the De Montfort Hall in Leicester.

Director of music at Newark Parish Church, Stephen Bullamore, said: "I'm really looking forward to meeting people of any age who want to explore joining the choir here at St Mary Magdalene.

“It doesn’t matter whether or not you have sung in a choir before or whether your parents have sung in a choir. We will help you develop all the skills you need."

The church will provide subsidised singing and music lessons to help further development and learning, supported by the Magnus Foundation.

Some former members of the choir have also gained A-levels and diplomas in music, with others going on to study music at university and beyond.

“It isn’t just about those who go on to become specialist musicians, though”, said Stephen.

“Any child can learn to sing and contribute to our choir, gaining life skills and enjoying being involved in music-making for its own sake.

"Singing regularly as part of church worship is a life-changing and life-enhancing experience; I am thrilled that we are able to offer it here in Newark."

Choir members can also expect a fun social environment for making new friends and taking part in regular extra activities and trips.

The tradition of children singing in the church choir dates back 500 years.

Currently, the church is closed for major restoration work as part of the ‘Reawakening of St Mary Magdalene’ project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

However, the choir is still singing regularly and is now looking to grow as part of the wider project.

“Reawakening is far from just a building project,” said churchwarden, Andrew Fearn. “It is about revitalising our church and our town.

“Growing our choir is an important part of that reawakening, and we look forward to welcoming new members.”

For further information, please contact, Director of Music, Stephen Bullamore by email: choir@stmnewark.org