Music
Choir and Brass rehearsing for our Christmas carol service.
St Mary’s has a rich musical life: as well as music on Sunday services, there is also a programme of concerts.
Choirs
St Mary’s choir, which has junior and adult members, sings for Sunday services and in occasional concerts. We also have a singing group for younger children, Joyful Noise. Find out more about the choirs at St Mary’s here.
Take a look at this lovely video about choir opportunities at St Mary's.
Brass Group
St Mary’s Brass Group meets on Monday evenings 6.15 –7.15 pm during term time. The group plays at some services and other events including St. Mary’s Christmas Fair. Find out more about St Mary’s Brass here.
SMMA – St Mary’s Music Association
The SMMA provides practical, administrative and financial support to the Director of Music to help maintain a high standard and wide variety of musical events in the parish. All members of the Choir, and/or Brass Group are automatically members of the St Mary’s Music Association, but membership is open to anyone. There is no fee and no form to be completed. Please do not feel that the SMMA is only for members of the choir – it is open to all! Chair: Hannah Razzell. Email: music@stmaryssaffronwalden.org if you are interested in joining.
The last AGM was at 12noon Sunday 21st April 2024.
SMMA Bursary
St. Mary’s Music Association offers up to £250 to support the musical training and education of a young musician in St Mary’s SW parish in full time education. It can be used for music lessons, training courses, sheet music or towards the purchase of a musical instrument or accessories. Preference is given to applicants who use their skills in music-making at St Mary’s. Applications must be received by 15th July 2024 and the bursary runs from September to August. For further details, conditions and/or application form, please contact the SMMA Chairman, Hannah Razzell- Email: music@stmaryssaffronwalden.org
Organ Scholarship
The churches of St Mary’s Saffron Walden and Wendens Ambo invite you to apply for the Michael Swindlehurst Organ Scholarship worth £752 plus lessons. The closing date for applications is usually mid June, with auditions and interviews early July. If you know of anyone who might be interested, further details can be obtained from Oli King, email: domstmaryssw@gmail.com
This organ scholarship was established in memory of the Rev’d Canon Michael Swindlehurst, who died in 2017. Michael was a loyal and committed supporter of the music at St Mary’s, and the scheme honours his memory and provides an opportunity for the comprehensive, holistic and professional training of a young church musician. Funding is drawn from a number of different sources: St Mary’s Music Association, Saffron Walden, St Mary’s Church PCC, Saffron Walden, St Mary’s Church PCC, Wendens Ambo, and community funding in Michael’s memory. The scholarship can be for one or two years.
Bellringing
With a tower of 12 bells, St Mary’s has a Society of Bellringers, who ring for Sunday services and weddings. Find out more about St Mary’s Bells here.