We deputise for the Cathedral Choir when it is on holiday or performing elsewhere and sing more than 30 regular services a year in Wells Cathedral. An amateur auditioned choir of 32, we strive for a high standard and rehearse weekly under a professional Music Director. As well as Cathedral services we sing for weddings, memorial services and occasional charity concerts throughout the Diocese of Bath and Wells and every summer we spend a week in residence at another cathedral.
We are a friendly, sociable group and have the occasional party while a visit to the pub in Wells after rehearsal is not unknown!
We are a friendly, sociable group and have the occasional party while a visit to the pub in Wells after rehearsal is not unknown!
Services
Over the subsequent years the scope and involvement of the Voluntary Choir has grown and today we are an integral part of the music and worship at the Cathedral, singing around 50 services a year when the Cathedral Choir are on holiday, recording, or on tour.
The choir has had 6 Music Directors, and the current incumbent, Michael Cockerham, has been at the helm since 1997, over half the life of the choir.
In addition to a professional Music Director a number of professional organists have supported the choir over the years, and Matthew Redman is our Principal Organist today.
The choir has had 6 Music Directors, and the current incumbent, Michael Cockerham, has been at the helm since 1997, over half the life of the choir.
In addition to a professional Music Director a number of professional organists have supported the choir over the years, and Matthew Redman is our Principal Organist today.
The Choir is an established part of Cathedral life at Wells and each year we are likely to sing for more than 30 of the regular services when we stand in for the Cathedral Choir during school holidays or when they are on tour or recording.
We are also asked to sing at festival services, such as All Souls' Day, when a Requiem is required.
Evensongs and Matins are usually sung in the Quire when we are divided into two choirs, Decani and Cantoris.
We rehearse regularly throughout the year on a Thursday evening from 7.30 pm to 9.15 pm, with breaks for most of January and August.
We are also asked to sing at festival services, such as All Souls' Day, when a Requiem is required.
Evensongs and Matins are usually sung in the Quire when we are divided into two choirs, Decani and Cantoris.
We rehearse regularly throughout the year on a Thursday evening from 7.30 pm to 9.15 pm, with breaks for most of January and August.
The Choir's repertoire has naturally been inspired by the English Cathedral tradition and the music that has been set for the Eucharist, Matins and Evensong services in the Anglican Communion.
Typically the music we sing is for four voices (SATB) and in many instances the Choir is divided into two, traditionally known as Decani and Cantoris - this arrangement is nearly always adopted for the singing of the Psalms.
For Matins and Evensong services the Preces and Responses, which are sung antiphonally by the choir and a cantor, are an integral part of the service and we use more than 12 settings composed over the last 400 years.
Typically the music we sing is for four voices (SATB) and in many instances the Choir is divided into two, traditionally known as Decani and Cantoris - this arrangement is nearly always adopted for the singing of the Psalms.
For Matins and Evensong services the Preces and Responses, which are sung antiphonally by the choir and a cantor, are an integral part of the service and we use more than 12 settings composed over the last 400 years.
Firstly, our Music Director, Michael Cockerham retired early and David Stevens assistant organist at the Cathedral agreed to take over.
So, what now?
In March we had our AGM on Zoom and have used this medium to meet together socially.
In June we will be reviewing the role of the choir in the Cathedral and within the Diocese and choir members will be reauditioned.
For the remainder of the year, we are booked to sing at the Diocesan Choral Festival, four weddings and 8 Cathedral Services, but inevitably there will be changes!
So, what now?
In March we had our AGM on Zoom and have used this medium to meet together socially.
In June we will be reviewing the role of the choir in the Cathedral and within the Diocese and choir members will be reauditioned.
For the remainder of the year, we are booked to sing at the Diocesan Choral Festival, four weddings and 8 Cathedral Services, but inevitably there will be changes!
If you are interested in joining the Choir we would love to hear from you.
Choir members are mostly amateur singers and musicians from all walks of life.
Members need to be used to singing in a choir, be reasonable sight-readers, and have a blending voice with a good dynamic range.
Rehearsals are held in Wells on Thursday evenings.
With 30+ services a year, commitment is important, though we understand that everyone has work or family pressures for which allowances are made.
Although there are no subscription or music charges, members bear their own travel and summer residency costs.
Choir members are mostly amateur singers and musicians from all walks of life.
Members need to be used to singing in a choir, be reasonable sight-readers, and have a blending voice with a good dynamic range.
Rehearsals are held in Wells on Thursday evenings.
With 30+ services a year, commitment is important, though we understand that everyone has work or family pressures for which allowances are made.
Although there are no subscription or music charges, members bear their own travel and summer residency costs.
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