Advent carol services are rarer, and generally less razzamatazzy than Christmas carol services. They give an opportunity to contemplate and prepare for one of the church's more sober seasons.

This page sets out information about this Advent Choir and how to be part of it.

Read more about the NMMA and its music HERE

Membership of the choir is open to all interested singers.

Singing with the choir carries no implication of further committment. This is a self contained project and once done and dusted, that's it. You will be kept informed of other similar projects, but not with an expectation that you will participate.

It is NOT expected that singers will be able to sight read music. The pieces chosen allow for a range of musical abilities and, for those who want to use them, downloadable rehearsal tracks are available.

This choral project will be led by Philip Norman

• For the choir:You can preview the choral pieces in the Downloads section
• For the choir and congregation: a selection of Advent hymns and carols.

It won't be necessary for singers to download and print the music themselves. Books will be provided.

Please remember, via the Downloads section (just below) rehearsal tracks will be available from the beginning of November so, if you wish, you can practise the music in your own time at home.

• For singers who want to feel really secure with the notes:
  A pre-rehearsals rehearsal, Friday 22 November 6.00 - 6.50 pm, in St Teilo's Church. It's likely that, at this service, members of St Teilo's church choir will also be singing. This date is their usual rehearsal evening.
• For singers who like to go through the music several times before performing it:
  Wednesday 27 November, 7.00 - 8.00 pm, probably in St Teilo's church.
• For all singers:
  Sunday 1 December, 4.30 - 5.45pm. In St Teilo's before the service.

• Cherry Tree Carol
  This is a fanciful carol of medieval origin.
  • The Notes
  • The Essential Part
  • The Optional Part
• Creator of the Stars of Night
  This is a unison plainsong melody with the text originating from about the 7th century.
  • The Notes
  • The Melody
• Wake, O Wake! With Tidings Thrilling
  
The melody and original text are by Philipp Nicolai, one of the ealier Lutheran composers
• The Notes
• The Essential Part
• The Upper Optional Part
• The Lower Optional Part

It's free.

There is no actual last date - we can accept new singers right up to 4.30 pm on Sunday 1 December.

However, Philip Norman's peace of mind will be enhanced if registrations aren't all left until the last moment. So, if possible, register

as soon as possible.

Click HERE to register.