St Matthew's Church, Darley Abbey

St Matthew’s has a talented and enthusiastic choir

Typically there are ten adults (men and women) and fifteen children.

It aims to be able to sing four part harmony to Cathedral standard and style. In fact the choir sings each year at Cathedrals (including Derby) when the resident Cathedral choir is away on holiday.

The music (hymns, psalms, anthems, service settings etc.) are drawn from the rich church music traditions, from medieval to modern. The music is normally accompanied by the organ, or is sung unaccompanied.

Practices for the full choir are on Friday evenings; and for the Junior Choir training sessions on Thursday evenings.

Junior Choir Training

There is no vocal test (audition) to join the choir. All are welcome, but must be able to read fairly well, so a lower age of eight is the norm.

The Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) ‘Voices for Life’ training scheme is taught which covers the ages from 8 to 18. Children are entered for the externally examined Bishop’s, Dean’s and Gold Medal RSCM awards.

Each year the junior choristers compete in the Derby Arts Festival solo and duet classes to develop their self confidence and vocal experience.

How to join

Phone John Gratton, our organist and choirmaster on 01332 558780