Church Music

There is a variety of music used in the worship of both Churches with more traditional hymns being used at the Parish Communion Services where there are four organists to support these services. At the Family Communions and Family Services more modern hymns and new worship songs are used and accompanied by the organists or on the Clavinova by one of the two pianists at St Wilfrid’s and St Mary’s In addition to this there is a small choir at St Wilfrid’s who accompany the worship during the Parish Communions, and a small but growing Music Group who assist the worship on occasions at St Mary’s Church. The St Mary’s Music Academy also support the worship on special occasions (see below)

Both Churches are always on the look out for singers and musicians (enthusiasm is always more important that ability), and if you would like to be involved please contact Yvonne Green (choir at St Wilfrid’s) on 01757 704894 or Heather Watts (Music Group/Music Academy at St Mary’s) on 01977 681153.

St Mary’s Music Academy

St Mary’s Music Academy opened on Wednesday 8th of October at St Mary’s Church in South Milford and provides the opportunity for children from Key Stage 2 to learn musical skills (both singing and sight reading of music). It also helps children to develop additional skills through performing, confidence building, and team working, all of which will help to improve their overall development and add personal characteristics and qualities that will serve them well in the passage to adulthood and beyond.

The Academy will run on Fridays after school at the following times:

• Girls from 3.45pm - 4.30pm
   
• Boys from 4.30pm - 5.15pm

(Sessions cost £2.00 and payment is to be made when registering each week)

The children will be tutored by Heather Watts. Heather was born in Midland, Texas, and started performing at the age of 14. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of Texas then finished her training at the Royal College of Music in London. At the RCM she met her husband who is from this area and in January of this year, they moved to South Milford. As well as a professional operatic career, Heather has performed in the West End Musical Phantom of the Opera. She has taught children’s choirs in London and is looking forward to working with the students of South Milford in their first Music Academy.

There may be a restriction on numbers if the response if greater than anticipated.
Open to all Key Stage 2 children in the benefice.

Please contact Heather on 01977 681153 for further information or to register.