PARISH CHOIR
The parish choir sings at all the main services.In addition to the singing of hymns, psalms and canticles, we have a widening repertoire of anthems and choral settings spanning more than four centuries. As a group we are neither elitist nor selective. Anyone and everyone is welcome, obviously it helps if you can hold a tune (which neatly rules out my Dad!) however a commitment to the Wednesday practice and Sunday services is more important than possessing the vocal powers of an angel.
The emphasis is firmly on enjoyment and there is, hopefully, a friendly, family atmosphere in the choirstalls.
If you feel you might be interested in finding out more, why not come to a choir practice and give us a test drive? There's no obligation and you may actually enjoy the experience! Just speak to me, Stephen (organist), David (assistant organist) or any choir member if you want to know more.
THE ORGAN
The organ was built in 1884 by the firm of 'Peter Conacher & Co', Huddersfield. Sited in a free-standing case at the east end of the north aisle, there are two manuals and pedals and mechanical action is utilised throughout. The stoplist is detailed below:-
Great 58 Swell 58 Pedal 30/Couplers
Open Diapason Violin Diapason Double Open
Stopt Diapason Gedact Bourdon
Dulciana Gamba
Principal Voix Celestes Great to Pedal
Harmonic Flute Gemshorn Swell to Pedal
Fifteenth Flageolet Swell to Great
Mixture III Cornopean Swell Octave
Trumpet Oboe Sw16 to Great
Tremulant
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Stephen Shaw has been in post since 1994. In addition, he runs a small organbuilding business and teaches piano, organ and theory privately.
ASSISTANT ORGANIST
David Shephard was organ scholar from 2002 - 06. He has been assistant organist since then and is a primary school teacher by profession.
ASSOCIATE ORGANIST
Chris Kerr is a former St. Mark's organ scholar and recently returned to the bass section of the choir, having spent ten years as organist of a neighbouring parish. Both his organist colleagues are frankly jealous of his ability to sight-read anything set in front of him and look forward to his increasing involvement in parish music.
JOKES (written and submitted by the Organist) Do you have any more? Submit them to postmaster@stmarksnewtownards.co.uk
Q What's the difference between God and an organist?
A God doesn't think he's an organist
Q How many organists does it take to change a light bulb?
A Only one - he just holds the bulb in the socket and the world revolves around him
Scientists have started using organists instead of rats in their experiments.
They find that the lab assistants dont become as attached to organists - and there are some things even a rat wont do!
Q How many organists does it take to change a light bulb?
A Change?...Who said anything about change?