Music at St Andrew's
Music has played a vital role in churches through the centuries. Here in the Parish of Hornchurch we pride ourselves in the quality of our musicians and the great work they do in leading Worship and furthering God's Kingdom.
St Andrew's Choir
St Andrew's Choir is a mixed SATB robed choir whose members enjoy singing together at two services on Sundays and on special occasions. The Treble line is made up of children who may join from the age of seven.
Choir Practice is on Fridays, from 7pm for the Trebles, joined at 8pm by the other three parts, and ends at 9pm.
Music is prepared every Friday for the following Sunday services, and also for other special services which are prepared for throughout the year. This includes our annual service of Nine Lessons and Carols, and an Oratorio for Palm Sunday which has previously included such works as Mozart's "Requiem", and Handel's "Messiah".
All children receive first class musical training and follow the RSCM (Royal School of Church Music) training scheme, achieving the different levels of Probationer, Junior Singer, Senior Singer, and Chorister. Many of our boys and girls have gone on to achieve the Bishops' Chorister Award which is an ecumenical award presented by the Bishops of Brentwood and Chelmsford.
All children receive three monthly Quarter Pay for their service to the church, and are expected to sing at weddings on occasional Saturdays for which they also receive payment.
All adults associated with the choir have CRB clearance.
St Andrew's Choir has an excellent reputation in the area, which is not only achieved by their standard of singing, but also through members' loyalty and commitment to the choir and to each other. It is therefore important that anyone wishing to join St Andrew's Choir should be prepared to show that commitment.
For any further information regarding St. Andrew's Choir, please email the Director of Music at: william.brooks2@ntlworld.com
The Organ
Installed by H. W. Speechly in 1913 and partly rebuilt by N P Mander in 1966, the organ is now maintained by Colin Jilks and Associates.
There are three manuals, a standard CCC-F pedal board, and 25 speaking stops which include some borrowing.
Because there is now no manual double, as there was on the original instrument, and because the Swell sub-octave is only effective down to TC, plans are in hand to convert the Swell 8 ft. Oboe to 16 ft. Contra Oboe.
