ABBEY CHOIR
Music plays an important role in our worship, and the Abbey Choir is very much at the heart of this. Our singers are drawn from Tewkesbury and the surrounding area, with some members travelling considerable distances to sing in our glorious building. We welcome both children and adult singers and, whilst there are no formal auditions, we always strive for the highest possible standards. The choir has performed on both BBC Radio 4 and Radio Gloucestershire and BBC 1 television.

There are two choral services each Sunday:
10.30am HIGH MASS
Our choir of junior choristers, choral scholars and adult singers leads and enhances the liturgy, which includes singing a full mass setting and anthem. The younger choristers attend Children’s Church for part of the service, returning in time for the Offertory.
Rehearsals for this service are held on Friday evenings 7.00-8.00pm and from 9.45am on the Sunday morning.

5.00pm CHORAL EVENSONG
This beautiful service is sung by our adult singers who sing a wide range of repertoire, featuring music from the Renaissance through to the present day. On the third Sunday of each month, there is Solemn Evensong and Benediction. The choir rehearses at 4.00pm on the Sunday afternoon, immediately before the service.

Additionally, the choir sings at weddings, occasional concerts, carol services and major festivals. An annual Passiontide Cantata is sung at the start of Holy Week, and a Requiem Mass (such as Fauré) is sung at All Soulstide.

JUNIOR CHORISTERS
Children are welcome to join the choir from school years 3 and 4 upwards. No previous singing experience is necessary as all training is provided free of charge by experienced, professional musicians. All that is required is a love of singing, a desire to learn and (most importantly) a sense of humour! The children receive pocket money each term as a thank you for their contribution and commitment.
They rehearse on Thursday evenings 6.30-7.15pm.

CHORAL AND ORGAN SCHOLARS
Choral scholarships are available to 5th and 6th formers. These are open to talented young singers who wish to further their experience of choral singing. Former scholars have gone on to gain further scholarships in cathedral and collegiate choirs.
Junior organ scholarships are also offered to aspiring, school-age organists. Former recipients have gone on to gain organ scholarships at Oxford.

ADULT SINGERS
New singers are always welcome. Whilst there are no formal auditions, some choral experience is necessary, particularly for Evensong, as rehearsal time is tight.
If you require further information or would like an informal chat, please contact the Director of Music, Carleton Etherington.
carleton.etherington@tewkesburyabbey.org.uk