Choirs? What are they good for?

And the answer is: absolutely everything!

The organ (AKA 'the king of instruments') and the English choral tradition have been the backbone of  the worshipping communities in this land of ours since the instrument was invented. Add to this the Book of Common Prayer (still the principal prayer book of the Church of England) services of Communion, Matins and Evensong with anthems, pointed psalms and hymns and bingo - life is sublime.

Last week I was privileged to be part of an exceedingly good reflective evening as our parish choir led us with 'Darkness to Light' . Like many church choirs, those who took part had many years on the clock but that only added to my respect as they moved around the church building and led us in music, voice and Scripture; as they processed on their journey, we too began our journey.

So this is but a passing nod to those stalwart members of our churches across this land of ours who give up evenings to practice and Sundays to lead their congregations - and a thumbs up to those who keep the choral tradition supported by their playing of the organ and other instruments. Worship is made up of hearts, minds, words (and silence) and music - let us never ever think that there's only one way to do church - nor look only to modern music and instruments as the way to attract people to church.

Here are some images of those of whom I am so very proud to know and worship alongside and of whose presence I and so very grateful:

Can you see him here!

Can you see him here?!

Where's Wally?

(and to the choir members: help yourselves to these images - I've posted them for you to have access to them and point friend here too so they can celebrate with us)

ps. Organisations to join (or at least support):

Royal School of Church Music

Prayer Book Society

Gregorian Association

Praxis

We don't need a choir!

'Or the organ:

Or any of the 'old stuff that no one really likes these days!'

With these words, all of English Traditional Church Music's heritage was flushed down the proverbial toilet!

What I don't understand is the fact that the person who uttered those words was the self same person who had waxed lyrical at BBC Television's offering 'The Choir' and had told others about experience of choirs in other places had been a triumph and a joy. Of course, when they spoke of 'choir' they meant groups of people in robes doing 'Gospel' or communities who had been brought together in the same way as Gareth Malone did in the BBC series; and yet this is exactly what Church (and the choir and the organ) offer - along with a rich tradition and the warrant of history too!

The old (and rather hackneyed) joke asks this question:

'What's the difference between a terrorist and church organist/choir master* ?'

and of course the answer is (drum roll):

'Terrorists are willing to negotiate!'

All too often I hear of how choirs or organists or choir masters are 'holding the church to ransom' and how 'everyone' would be so much better off without them. The reality is that this is not the truth.

Who will be out of bed to make the am service in a church and be back again for the evening service?

Is it the rank and file members? I think not, for generally it seems we are a nation of 'oncers'!

Is it the clergy? Quite likely!

So who else is there? The answer is the organist and the choir members, for they can often be found doing the morning service and then returning for the evensong of Sung Eucharist too!

Psychologists tell us that singing in a choir is one of the best ways of ensuring our mental well-being. The joy of making music and being in harmony and belonging is worth it's weight in banana chips.

For those learning to play instruments, the church choir offers the opportunity for the tyro musical type to learn to sight-read, develop pitch awareness and make some beautiful music on the way. It also pays dividends when the practical exam's are upon them because they can do the aural tests with their eyes closed and their mouths open.

For the churches themselves, it provides a source of great music, vocal support for the congregation and something that draws us back to God, for isn't that what music, art and all the other 'soft academic subjects are really all about - being creative is recognising the Creator in us!

So a plea to those who long for the day when we all have worship bands and the organ and the choristers are relegated to the museums that are cathedrals and the like.

THINK AGAIN

Our churches, our children, the adults and God all deserve and demand that the diversity of worship and the richness of the English Church Music tradition bring.

Applaud, encourage, retain and recruit for without it our worship becomes limited and lacklustre.

* delete as applicable

'oncer' - someone who makes one service on a Sunday and knows you should be grateful!