Heathfield Benefice

The Church of England in Your Community

Music

Hymn singing of course forms a very important part of our services. We have recently purchased the excellent hymn book 'Ancient and Modern - Hymns and Songs for Refreshing Worship', which is enabling us to widen our repertoire and do exactly what it says on the book!



Choir

The choir meets to practice on most Friday evenings, starting at 7.30pm, in St Richard’s Church. We lead the singing at services on Sunday mornings, and we also sing at major festival services in the benefice churches, such as the Advent Carol Service on Advent Sunday evening and the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. 

 

As well as traditional and modern hymns and songs, we sing anthems in two, three and four-part harmony. We also sing a mass setting during communion services, currently either the Mass of the Bread of Life (Rizza), Mass of St Thomas (Thorne), or Heathfield Mass (Steele). 

 

We are looking for people to join us who enjoy singing and who can sing in tune. Anyone from age 9 upwards can come and try out. We will be happy to help you if you are new to choral singing and would like to become involved in singing with this friendly group; you will be particularly welcome if you can already sing (and preferably sight-read) alto, tenor or bass lines of choral music.  



Junior Choir 

Heathfield Benefice Junior Choir meets every Friday 15.45-16.30 at All Saints and St Richard's Primary School in Old Heathfield.

This choir is for children in Year 3 to Year 6. All rehearsals are run by an enhanced DBS checked, fully qualified music teacher with 20+ years experience. 

If you are interested in joining a fun junior choir who regularly sing for church services please get in touch through this email.


click here for more information.



Organs, Pianos and Keyboards

Instrumental accompaniment at services varies between the churches, and between services.
At St Richard’s, there is a small but effective two-manual organ which allows the performance of all the standard organ repertoire. There is also a baby grand piano. Both instruments are used during services and concerts. 

 

All Saints’ has an organ, parts of which date back to the eighteenth century when it was created by Samuel Green as a house organ and extended about a century ago. There is also an upright piano of some merit. 

 

St George’s has a good quality electric keyboard with a convincing piano sound. 

 

If you are an experienced organist or pianist and would like to become involved in playing during church services, please do make contact with us.  

 

 

Music group

Since 2019 we have developed an instrumental music group, primarily to lead some of the worship during church services. If you already play one or more instruments and are interested in getting involved we would love to hear from you.  

 


If you would like to find out more about any of the music opportunities in Heathfield Benefice please speak to Simon in church or use the Contact us form.