As choirmaster Mark Thompson prepares St Mary’s Church Choir for a concert on June 15, we take a look hard-working and dedicated group of singers with some video footage from a recent rehearsal.

Did you know there has been a robed choir in St Mary’s Church in Tenby since 1869? Over the years it has gone through many changes and now consists of about 20 adult members. The choir is probably the largest in the parish churches of the diocese of St Davids.

“At the Sunday service each week there are four or five hymns and a sung psalm for choir and congregation.  In addition to this, the choir sings an introit at the beginning of the service and a motet during the eucharist,” says choir member Judy Davies.

“Eucharist settings vary from week to week so there is plenty to be practised at the weekly choir rehearsal. The choice of music is made according to the seasons of the church year.  

“The choir has a huge repertoire but is always adding new pieces to keep the selection fresh and to keep up with the changing times. Music by living composers features regularly.”

The picture shows St Mary’s Choir at a rehearsal with choirmaster Mark Thompson and accompanist Dr John Harrison, whose role is often to ensure that a capella pieces remain in tune.

The standard remains high owing to the dedication of Mark and John in preparing the choir for the weekly services and for the choral festivals which occur at Advent, Christmas and Easter,  and at other special events. 

Seeing the rehearsal in action is an eye-opener: Choirmaster Mark conducts and works hard to bring out the best in each performance, paying close attention to the melodic structure of each harmony part as well as dynamics and timing.

“Rehearsals are intense, but productive, and new members are always welcome,” adds Judy.                                                                     

On Thursday June 15 there will be an opportunity to hear the choir in concert along with special guests, the choir from Tenby Church in Wales VC Primary School. The concert will start at 7pm. Admission is free but there will be a retiring collection.

Listen to the choir in rehearsal below. We’ll be posting up some more clips later, so stay tuned!