ANOTHER ORGAN PHOTO HERE
ANOTHER ORGAN PHOTO HERE
St. Mary’s Church, Selly Oak
Music
Music has always been an important part of the life of St Mary's Church, from Choir singing at the Sunday Services, to evensong and special dedicated choir presentations. The Organ plays a crucial role in this too providing a marvellous base for the singing and also being used in its own right in organ recitals.
The Choir
There has been a robed choir at St Mary's since the church was dedicated in 1861. Currently there is an adult mixed S.A.T.B choir plus some junior choristers, with the core of its members drawn from people resident in the area. Additionally, we are also pleased to welcome students studying at the Birmingham Universities who frequently reside in Selly Oak and regularly supplement our choir.
Music at St Mary's is mostly of traditional Anglican style, the choir singing at the weekly Sunday morning 10.00am communion service, and once each month singing a full Choral Evensong at 6.30pm. Choir practice is held on Friday evenings, commencing at 7.30 pm. The choir also sing on occasions at church weddings.
Enquiries about joining the choir can be made to the Organist & Choirmaster, John Stormont (Choir@stmarysellyoak.org.uk) or Deputy Organist, Kate Cheyney (Choir@stmarysellyoak.org.uk). Alternatively just come along to any of the church services and enquire to John, Kate or any of the clergy. You will be assured of a welcome in this friendly choir!
The Organ
At St Mary's Church, there is a three manual pipe organ with 38 speaking stops plus usual accessories. Parts of the organ date back to the original instrument installed in 1862. Rebuilds by Nicholson's of Worcester (1902, 1958) and Sheffield's of Olton (1996) have ensured that the organ has been kept in excellent condition. A booklet giving comprehensive details about the organ is available in church and details can also be found on-line through the National Pipe Organ Register (NPOR) No. R00928.
We are happy (subject to making suitable access arrangements) for individuals to come and play the organ, either on an one-off occasion, or for more regular practice sessions. In recent years, we have been contacted by the Birmingham Conservatoire's Organ Department, to be of assistance in allowing students access to the organ. Anyone interested should contact the Organist and Choirmaster, John Stormont (Choir@stmarysellyoak.org.uk) or the clergy.