MUSIC
Come before his presence with singing Psalm 100 commands us, and so we do! Here at St Mary's, there is music all around, thanks to the many dedicated singers and musicians who play at our services and other occasions.
Choir
​St Mary’s Choir is a flourishing part of the life of our church, comprising up to a dozen junior trebles and adult singers. The choir is fully active, rehearsing every Thursday evening in the Choir Vestry.
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​The choir leads the music every Sunday at our 10:30AM Eucharist and at Choral Evensong (6PM, third Sunday of the month). Our services' broad range of styles provide the chance to sing a great variety of music. The choir also sings at weddings, funerals and at special occasions including Passiontide services, Remembrance Sunday and our hugely popular Carol Service. St Mary's Choir welcomes new singers of all ages and voices.
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​​There are lots of chances to sing beyond St Mary's, too, including the annual Harrow Deanery Choirs Festival, and the biennial RSCM London Area Festival at St Paul’s Cathedral. Our choir is proud to be affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) and follows their Voice for Life training scheme. Many choir members have taken their singing further, joining the choirs of St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Cathedral, Wells Cathedral and the National Youth Choir. Andrew Carwood, Director of Music at St Paul’s Cathedral, is a former St Mary’s chorister.
Interested in Joining?
St. Mary's choir welcomes singers of all ages and backgrounds. If you are interested in joining, please speak to any of our adult members following our main Eucharist service on Sunday at 10:30AM.
Bellringing
St Mary's is blessed with ten tower bells - one of only a handful of churches in outer London with this many, rang by an active team of bell ringers.
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​Our ringers are a vital part of the St. Mary's community, and ring them on Sundays and special occasions. Our practice night is on Monday from at 8PM, with our early learners session running from 7:30PM. The bellringing team welcome visitors and have an extensive training programme, including instruction for candidates undertaking Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Bells of all sizes are rung, from handbells to tower bells.
Handbell Ringing
The St. Mary's handbell ringing group is a lively and dedicated ensemble that is an integral part of the church community for many years.​ Known for their vibrant performances and harmonious melodies, they have consistently brought joy to our services.
The handbell ringing group holds an annual supper concert with reading, and take part in local concerts and church services, including St Mary’s Carol Service. ​
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At Christmas time, the team goes carol-ringing around local pubs. Many of their events raise valuable funds for charities including the Children’s Society, St Luke’s Hospice and St Mary’s church itself.​​​