Music

Music has played an important part in the worship at Westbourne for many years and we continue that tradition today with a flourishing choir and a committed team of organists.

In 2001, the parish made a huge commitment in the commissioning of a substantial new pipe organ by Kenneth Tickell.

Singing at Westbourne

Choir

The Choir at Westbourne is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM). Our SATB choir includes 12 adults and seven children, currently aged from seven to nine.

Junior Choir

Singing is an area where children who do not play an instrument can participate fully in a musical activity. We operate the RSCM ‘Voice for Life’ scheme. During the central spoken part of our Parish Communion service, the Junior Choir meets in the choir vestry to study music theory and how what we sing in the choir relates to the church’s seasons and the Christian message. In choir practice they are taught how to use their voices properly. Perhaps most importantly, they are treated as full members of the choir on equal terms with the adults and this is what makes membership of a church choir special.

If you have a son or daughter who might like to join us, we suggest that you bring them along to a Thursday rehearsal at 6pm and we will see how they get on. We don’t do voice tests for children because we believe that most can develop, with our guidance, into capable singers if that is what they want to do.

Adult Choir

We have a complete SATB choir on most Sundays but we are always looking for new singers, particularly altos, tenors and basses. Some music reading ability is essential (e.g. ABRSM Grade 4) and, for sopranos, a range that comfortably includes top A and a quality that will blend with the voices of our young singers.

Music at Services

We have a comprehensive choir music library and an anthem is sung at the Parish Communion service together, usually, with a gradual psalm in the Coverdale translation. We are committed to continuing the tradition of choral evensong and the opportunities it gives our junior choir to learn this important repertoire.

Once a month, the informal non-eucharistic ‘Worship for All’ service includes traditional hymns and some worship songs, accompanied by organ or piano.

> The music scheme for July 2018 (PDF opens in a new window)

Choir Practices

Thursday    Junior choir 6-6.45pm, full choir 7pm to 7.30pm, adults 7.30pm to 8pm
Sunday       Full choir 09:00am to 09:15am
For further details please contact our Director of Music, Mr Stewart Taylor on Tel: 023 9258 0672 or by email.

Instrumentalists

Players of instruments are always welcome and there are playing opportunities in most of our services, mainly taking the form of instrumental voluntaries before the service. Young people who wish to learn the organ will be encouraged and supported.

If you are interested in finding out more, contact the Director of Music, Mr Stewart Taylor.

The organ at St John the Baptist Church, Westbourne

The church has a two-manual Kenneth Tickell pipe organ which was installed in 2002.

> More about the organ at Westbourne

The next organ recital at Westbourne will be given by Chichester Cathedral organist Charles Harrison on Sunday 16 September 2018 at 7pm.
> Book your ticket online 
> More about the recital

> Organ recitals at Westbourne, 2018-2019

Music at Woodmancote

There are usually two Sunday services each month at Woodmancote Church and hymns are accompanied on the keyboard by a member of our organist team.