Choir of Newark Parish Church recruiting for adult singers from all walks of life

The choir of Newark Parish Church is known for the high quality musical training it offers to children and young people ­— but it also welcomes adults, and is looking for more to join it.

Supported by the Thomas Magnus Foundation, choristers aged seven to 13 receive highly-subsidised tuition, led by a professional musician, Dr Stephen Bullamore. There are also Magnus Scholars — teenagers who receive large grants to support their learning.

But director of music Dr Stephen Bullamore said: “The choir is not just made up of children. Adults also sing as volunteers, and I am inviting local people to join the choir.

“Perhaps you sang as a child and somehow let it slip and need the impetus to return?”

Andy Gibson, who sang as a boy, returned to singing six years ago, and has not looked back.

He said: “Often, when attending church or hearing choral works on the radio, I would think to myself that I must get back to singing, but somehow it never quite came to pass.

“It was my eight-year-old daughter joining the choir in Newark that finally spurred me into action. I accepted the invitation to join the choir shortly after my daughter.

“I can honestly say I wish I had done this years ago, and the past four years have been a joyous, rewarding and utterly fulfilling experience.”

The singers in the choir come from all walks of life.

The current membership includes a teacher, mechanic, beauty therapist, a food hygiene inspector, tanker builder, and a GP.

They all look forward to the Friday evening rehearsals, which take place in the wonderful church building.

Mr Gibson said: “Singing fills me with a sense of happiness and freedom that nothing else does.

“I love the sense of achievement I get learning and then singing a complex piece, and the support I get from the other members of the choir when it’s needed.

“I love how expressive singing can be, and that, no matter what mood you are in, how singing can lift and elevate your spirit. It is a superb reliever of stress and helps to dissolve the day-to-day worries of life.”

Singing with a highly supportive and like-minded group of people, who share a sense of focus, passion and the goal of delivering a polished performance, is said to create a sense of community, friendship and achievement.

The choir sing for many important occasions in the town, such as Remembrance and Hercules Clay, as well the great festivals of Christmas and Easter.

For more information, contact Dr Bullamore on choir@stmnewark.org or 07503 633784.