St. Mary-le-Tower Church

General information

The choir of St Mary-le-Tower, Ipswich exists to serve the liturgy of that church. Three fully choral services are held each Sunday; usually these are Matins, Parish Eucharist and Evensong, singing settings of the canticles (or mass settings) and anthems (or motets) at each of these services in the traditional manner. The choir itself is divided into sections comprising boys, girls and adults. At any given service, it is usually either the boys or the girls who sing the top (soprano or treble) line with the adults of the choir singing the alto, tenor and bass parts. At major festivals and for some other events the whole choir combines. Twice a month the choir is made up of boys and men, maintaining a long-standing tradition at the Tower. Full details are given on the monthly music list.
The choir is professionally run by the Director of Music, Christopher Borrett and the Assistant Organist, William Baldry. They are supported by two Choir Assistants, Lis Rollinson and Donna Joyce. Also assisting with the accompaniment of the choir is the Organ Scholar, Dominic Joyce.
Children are taught to sing and to read music. They are encouraged to progress towards the Bishop’s Chorister and Gold award RSCM examinations as well as taking graded ABRSM exams. New recruits are usually aged between about six and ten. Enquiries (please email musicdirector@stmaryletower.org.uk) are welcome at any time. Their first few months in the choir are spent as "probationers" before they are awarded their surplice (the white garment worn over the red cassock) and they then progress gradually through a system of coloured badges. They rehearse two evenings each week and sing for either one or two services each Sunday during term time and at Christmas and Easter.
Adult rehearsals are on Friday evenings. A major element of this section is made up of Choral Scholars. These Altos, Tenors and Basses are in full-time education and receive a modest emolument to encourage their attendance. Potential applicants should email musicdirector@stmaryletower.org.uk in the first instance. We are particularly keen to encourage young countertenors (male altos) in their craft.
For further details about the Church and its choir, please visit http://www.stmaryletower.org.uk